English-born Ghanaian striker Eddie Nketiah is raring to lead Arsenal’s frontline after the shock loss of Gabriel Jesus to a knee injury — and has had the opportunity to pick Arsene Wenger’s brain.
rounded off their pre-season campaign by beating Monaco to claim the Emirates Cup, with an enthralling friendly settled by a penalty shootout.
The Brazilian striker was not in the squad for Arsenal’s Emirates Cup clash against Monaco on Wednesday night, which they won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed Jesus had a knee operation after discomfort related to a previous surgery in the same area, which he picked up during the World Cup in December.
It saw him miss a large chunk of last season, with Nketiah coming in to make nine consecutive Premier League starts — he scored four goals in those matches.
The 24-year-old, who captained the North London club for the first time on Wednesday, is now prepared to make a similar impact. An added boost was the chance to catch up with the man who gave him his Arsenal debut in 2017 at the Monaco match — ex-boss Wenger, who was in guest attendance.
- ‘I made my debut under him,’ said Nketiah. ‘So it was so nice to really speak to him and he is obviously really proud of how far I’ve come from since then.
- “It’s amazing and it’s always good to pick his brain, he is a genius and we’re really happy that he’s been able to come, been able to catch up with him.’
The England Under-21 all-time top scorer backs himself to mirror the effect he had when replacing Jesus last season.
- He said: ‘’Yeah (I did answer doubts last season) but I don’t think I’m here to fill in for anyone. I’m here to play and contribute to the team obviously, I believe in my abilities and I know I can contribute.
- ‘I just really enjoyed it (last season) and was able to improve myself. I played some really big games and I was able to help and contribute.
- ‘I pride myself on always being ready and whatever role the manager needs me to fill, I will always make sure I do my best so I can help the team — that’s what it’s all about.
- ‘’The manager has got a tough decision and whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver and I can help the team.’’
- On losing Jesus, he added: ‘We want him back as soon as possible. We need him, he is a big player for us.
“So whatever the manager does, we are all here to contribute and push to be out there to help the team.”
