Granit Xhaka praises Eddie Nketiah as Arsenal lose Jesus to injury

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Granit Xhaka has suggested that Eddie Nketiah is going to have a big role to play for Arsenal over the next three months following the news that Gabriel Jesus has undergone surgery – in comments reported by The Athletic.

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have been dealt a huge blow with Jesus facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The striker injured his knee during Brazil’s final group game at the World Cup.

It remains to be seen just how long the 25-year-old is out for. Reports from 90min suggested that it would be several months. And Xhaka appears to be under the impression that it could be up to three months.

Xhaka praises Nketiah

January is just around the corner. But in the meantime, it is a massive opportunity for Nketiah. The striker has been Jesus’ understudy this season. And he has shone when he has received a chance.

Nevertheless, Jesus leaves a huge void in the side. And Xhaka suggested that the Arsenal players need to do all they can to bring the best out of Nketiah while their teammate is absent.

“We have the option with Eddie, of course. He showed great games as well in the past and we need to support Gabi first,” he said, as reported by The Athletic.

“We need to support Eddie as well, because he will be a big, big part of the next two or three months.

“But I am looking forward to it because we have the quality to bring Eddie there and to help him.”

Nketiah has a massive point to prove. He really stepped up towards the end of last season, proving that he should get a new contract at the Emirates. And he appears to have improved further in recent months.

However, Jesus has been one of the best strikers in the league this season. And it is surely fair to say that he is a key reason why Arsenal find themselves top of the table.

It is going to be a huge ask for Nketiah. But Xhaka is aware that the rest of the Arsenal side are also going to have a big contribution to make if the 23-year-old is going to be able to step up.