Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has said he is “here to play” following Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
The Brazilian is set to miss the start of the new season because of a knee problem in a major blow to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta now has Kai Havertz, who can start up front, while Folarin Balogun is still at the Emirates for now.
However, Eddie Nketiah has made it clear that he wants to play, while he has also reminded his manager that he can be trusted.
“I don’t think I’m here to fill in for anyone. I’m here to play and contribute to the team,” the 24-year-old was recently quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.
“Obviously I believe in my abilities. I know I can contribute. The manager has a tough decision, but whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver.”
Eddie Nketiah deserves a chance
In Jesus’ absence, it probably would be fair to give Nketiah a go up front. When the former England U21 international filled in for him last season, he did quite a good job.
For example, Nketiah scored twice in the Gunners’ 3-2 win against Manchester United at the Emirates, so he really has shown that he can deliver.
It will now be interesting to see who Arteta starts when his side take on Manchester City in the Community Shield.
With a bit of silverware on the line, it is a game the Spaniard will want to win, so you would expect him to use a strong line-up. If Nketiah is in it, there is probably a good chance of him starting in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest.
Again, though, Arteta has options, with Havertz someone he can now call upon following the 24-year-old’s arrival from Chelsea.
While he is not a centre-forward by trade, he has plenty of experience playing as one from his time at Stamford Bridge.
The long-term plan may be to deploy him in midfield or just behind the No.9. But with Jesus unavailable, the Germany international could find himself doing a similar job to what he was doing in west London.
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