Mikel Arteta is missing 12 Arsenal players against Fulham and Gabriel Jesus has retured

Arsenal face Fulham in the Premier League this afternoon (Saturday) and manager Mikel Arteta has Gabriel Jesus available for selection after injury

Gabriel Jesus is once again available for selection, but his return to the Arsenal matchday squad against Fulham may not be as simple as it appears.

The 26-year-old is back in action following a minor knee procedure, and Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the Brazilian making his season debut this afternoon (Saturday): “I was overjoyed. “It was a huge blow for him to have to have another surgery after the pre-season,” the Gunners manager stated. “He’s looking really good.” He worked out hard all week. He’s all set to leave.”

Not wanting to give anything away about his side selection, the Spaniard reiterated that Jesus is ready to go before responding with a two-word “we’ll see” when asked if Arsenal fans may see the striker given a start against the Cottagers. Mikel Arteta is missing 12 Arsenal players against Fulham and Gabriel Jesus has retured

Based on those remarks and the fact that Arteta must announce a 20-man Premier League matchday squad for the London derby at the Emirates Stadium, it’s safe to presume Jesus’ name will be on the list – whether that’s among the starting XI or the substitutes bench remains to be seen.

But who will he be replacing on the team? With Takehiro Tomiyasu out after getting sent off for two bookable offences against Crystal Palace on Monday night, it may be a straight swap. However, given the Gunners’ manager’s actions this season, this would be a risky move.

Arteta used three defenders on the bench against both Nottingham Forest and Palace. With Jurrien Timber injured, Tomiyasu suspended, and a few veteran players out of the picture, the Spanish strategist must decide whether to stick with the current lineup or take a risk with an extra attacker.

If he chooses the former, perhaps Rob Holding will be called up for the first time this season, or wonderkid Reuell Walters will be called up to bolster the defensive options. In this scenario, one of Arsenal’s forwards will be forced to make way for Jesus.

What is certain is that unless Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney complete their moves to AS Monaco and Real Sociedad, respectively, before 2pm this afternoon, they will be among the 12 first-team stars who will not be involved against Fulham, as the Gunners still have 32 senior players listed on the club’s official website.

Aside from Timber and Tomiyasu (injuries and suspensions, respectively), Mohamed Elneny is slated to miss out again, as he is not scheduled to return until next month at the earliest. Keepers Karl Hein and Arthur Okonkwo are also unlikely to be needed.

If this is the case, the other senior players expected to be left out are those for whom the club is open to offers ahead of the summer transfer market shutting next week, so Nicolas Pepe, Nuno Tavares, Cedric Soares, and Albert Sambi Lokonga are unlikely to be included.

Who should start for Arsenal against Fulham? Have your say below.