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Granit Xhaka backs Arsenal star to replace Gabriel Jesus

Granit Xhaka - Arsenal
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The Premier League leaders expect to be without Gabriel Jesus for around three months after the Brazil striker underwent surgery.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka believes Eddie Nketiah can help fill the void in Gabriel Jesus’ absence and is confident the team’s quality can help him thrive.

The 23-year-old striker has failed to start a single Premier League game following the summer arrival of Jesus, who has become an integral part of the Gunners frontline.

However, with Jesus needing surgery on a knee injury he suffered in Brazil’s recent 1-0 World Cup defeat to Cameroon, Nketiah has an opportunity to stake a claim in Mikel Arteta’s line-up.

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

“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 because we have the quality to bring Eddie there and to help him.”

Nketiah, who signed a new five-year contract at the Emirates in the summer, has started in all seven of Arsenal’s domestic and European cup games, managing three goals and one assist.

The Gunners return to action on Boxing Day for a London derby with West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.

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