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Gabriel Jesus First Arsenal Start in 345 Days vs Crystal Palace

Gabriel Jesus is set to start for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup for the first time in 345 days

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Gabriel Jesus First Arsenal Start in 345 Days vs Crystal Palace

Gabriel Jesus is prepared to start for the first time in almost a year.

Gabriel Jesus celebrating hat-trick against Crystal Palace

Before tomorrow's Carabao Cup quarterfinal matchup with Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta has given Arsenal supporters some fantastic news: Gabriel Jesus is prepared to start for the first time in almost a year.

The Brazilian forward has shown promise in three recent substitute outings against Club Brugge, Wolves, and Everton despite being out since January 2025 due to a severe ACL injury.

When asked if Jesus could start at the Emirates Stadium at his pre-match press conference, Arteta was clear.

"Yes, he is [ready to start], and you can tell," Arteta said. "Not only in games, but every day in training – how much he wants it. He's going to deserve a chance soon."

Due to Crystal Palace's European commitments, this London derby has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 23 (8:00 PM GMT kick-off). It is a repeat of last season's quarterfinal, in which Jesus famously scored a hat-trick to help Arsenal win.

Amazingly, the game may also mark Jesus's 100th appearance for the Gunners, giving even more significance to what is already a significant turning point in his recovery.

Arteta is going to rotate his team due to the upcoming festive schedule, which includes six games in 20 days. This is the ideal chance to start Jesus for the first time in 345 days, possibly replacing summer addition Viktor Gyökeres. Although the Swedish striker has contributed goals, notably a penalty in the most recent victory over Everton, his open-play performance has recently drawn scrutiny.

A distinct dynamic is introduced up top by Jesus, who is known for his energy, pressing, and capacity to connect play. His comeback could not come at a better time as Arsenal continues to compete for the top spot in the Premier League and aims to win the Carabao Cup.

A victory tomorrow would keep the hopes of winning a first domestic championship since 2020 alive and advance to a semi-final matchup with Chelsea.

Arteta will be hopeful that Jesus can relive those happy moments versus Palace and put on another outstanding show in front of the Emirates lights.

Will Jesus begin to shine, in your opinion? Leave a comment with your guesses!

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