Gabriel Jesus may return to Arsenal starting line-up for cup tie – Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta hinted he was ready to hand Gabriel Jesus his first start in 345 days in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal will take on Oliver Glasner’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday in a competition Arteta hopes will end his near six-year wait for a trophy.

Jesus struck a hat-trick in Arsenal’s last-eight win against Palace last season before they fell to Newcastle in the semi-finals.

The Brazil international then spent 11 months on the sidelines after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

But following three substitute appearances in Arsenal’s wins against Club Brugge, Wolves and Everton, Jesus could be unleashed from the start against Palace, with Arteta set to rotate a side which will face six fixtures in 20 days.

Chelsea await Arsenal in the last four if they can see off Palace.

“Yes he is (ready to start), and you can tell,” said Arteta of the former Manchester City forward.

“You can see now, not only in games but every day in training how much he wants it so he’s going to deserve a chance soon.

“It has been a real intense journey. When he joined us he lifted the belief, the spirit and the energy of the team and he gave something very different to what we already had and was very impressive.

“Then he had some very bad injuries and that hasn’t allowed him to have the consistency we need from a very important player.

“He is back and his fighting spirit, his desire to always prepare in the best way is unbelievable. The team is together now and we need to use it.”

Jesus could take the place of Viktor Gyokeres, who, despite scoring from the penalty spot in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, has not found the back of the net from open play in