“He’s not in good form” - Pundit urges Mikel Arteta to drop struggling 27-year-old Arsenal star for Bournemouth clash

Pundit Adrian Clarke has advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to start Gabriel Jesus on the bench for their Premier League fixture against Bournemouth (October 19). The Gunners are due to return to action against the Cherries, and the Brazilian striker is one of the fresher players on their roster.

Jesus has struggled for form and fitness this season, with no goals in eight appearances since the start of the campaign. The 27-year-old striker was not included in Brazil's squad for this month's internationals, affording him two weeks to try to up his fitness levels.

Adrian Clarke did not mince words when speaking on the Handbrake Off podcast, pointing out that the striker is doing the team more harm than good, at present. He advised that he should be dropped and possibly introduced as a substitute in the Bournemouth game.

“I would give him a pity penalty, that’s what I’d do, something to get him going. No, I wouldn’t start him because he’s not in good form. Let’s not write him off, he still has plenty to offer, but at the moment every point matters, it’s not time to rotate massively, so I’d have him off the bench."

Gabriel Jesus appeared to be in fine form in pre-season, scoring against Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United before picking up a groin injury. The striker's struggles date back to the 2023-24 season, where he scored just four times in the Premier League for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side are yet to lose a game this season, with Kai Havertz doing a stellar job leading the line. The German forward has four goals and an assist in seven Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.

Arsenal boss Arteta challenges Jesus to raise level

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus to find his best form for the side amid his struggles. The former Manchester City man has had a stop-start season so far, having suffered an injury in August that kept him out of action.

Jesus injured his groin in pre-season after facing a number of fitness issues in the 2023-24 season, as well. The 27-year-old striker was handed a challenge by his manager to prove his worth to the side in what is his third season with the club. Arteta said (via The Standard):

“So yeah, he’s there. Now he (Jesus) needs to earn the right to play more. He’s got our full support, he’s a player that can play in various positions and he’s a really important player for us.”

Gabriel Jesus has an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium amid his struggles for consistency and form. The Brazilian striker has been linked with a move away from the club, and several strikers have been lined up as his replacement.