### Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus Poised for League Cup Return After Long Injury Layoff Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has indicated that striker Gabriel Jesus may be set to make his first start in nearly a year during the League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. This match is particularly significant as Arsenal aims to end a six-year trophy drought, making Jesus's return a pivotal moment for the team. His readiness comes after a lengthy recovery from injury, and Arteta's comments suggest a strong belief in the player's fitness and capability to contribute to the squad's success in this crucial match [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jesus-could-start-arsenal-league-124434944.html][https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/jesus-could-start-for-arsenal-in-league-cup-says-arteta-1925617]. ### Breakdown of Key Points Regarding Gabriel Jesus's Potential Start 1. **Injury Recovery**: Gabriel Jesus has been sidelined for almost a year due to injury, and his return is highly anticipated by fans and the club alike. 2. **Manager's Confidence**: Arteta has expressed confidence in Jesus's readiness to start, indicating that the striker has fully recovered and is prepared for competitive play. 3. **Match Significance**: The upcoming match against Crystal Palace is crucial for Arsenal, as they seek to secure a trophy after a prolonged drought. 4. **Team Dynamics**: Jesus's inclusion in the starting lineup could significantly impact Arsenal's performance, given his previous contributions to the team. ### Supporting Evidence for Gabriel Jesus's Readiness - **Managerial Statements**: Arteta has confirmed that Jesus is fit to play, stating, "Gabriel is ready to start against Crystal Palace" [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jesus-ready-start-against-palace-122841426.html]. - **Historical Context**: Arsenal has not won a trophy in six years, making this League Cup match a critical opportunity for the team to break that streak [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/jesus-could-start-for-arsenal-in-league-cup-says-arteta-1925617]. - **Fan Expectations**: The return of a key player like Jesus is expected to boost team morale and performance, as fans are eager to see their team succeed [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/arsenal-vs-crystal-palace-league-cup-quarterfinal-gabriel-jesus-injury-return-arteta-latest-news-updates/article70426175.ece]. ### Conclusion: Gabriel Jesus's Return Could Be a Game-Changer for Arsenal In summary, the potential return of Gabriel Jesus to the starting lineup for Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace is a significant development for the club. 1. **Injury Recovery**: Jesus has overcome a long-term injury, and Arteta's confidence in his readiness is a positive sign for the team. 2. **Match Importance**: The match represents a critical opportunity for Arsenal to end their trophy drought, making Jesus's return even more impactful. 3. **Team Impact**: His presence on the field could enhance Arsenal's chances of success in this crucial fixture. Overall, the combination of Jesus's fitness and the high stakes of the match could lead to a pivotal moment in Arsenal's season [https://news.az/news/arteta-hints-jesus-could-start-for-arsenal-in-league-cup][https://www.anglocelt.ie/2025/12/22/gabriel-jesus-may-return-to-arsenal-starting-line-up-for-cup-tie-mikel-arteta].