Eddie Nketiah tells Mikel Arteta he can step up and deliver for Arsenal after major Gabriel Jesus injury blow

EDDIE NKETIAH is ready to prove that there is no need for Arsenal to make a drama out of their Gabriel Jesus crisis.

Mikel Arteta’s best laid plans for the new season have been plunged into uncertainty by Jesus’ shock knee operation.

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Arsenal have been rocked by an injury to Gabriel Jesus[/caption]

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Eddie Nketiah insists that he can step up to the plate and fill the void[/caption]

The £45million Brazilian international is expected to be sidelined for six weeks after going under the surgeon’s knife on Wednesday morning.

That would rule him out for the Gunners’ first four League games of the season against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United as well as Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City.

But Nketiah, 24, is backing himself to lead the line in Jesus’ absence after showing his worth in a similar role last season.

He says: “Gabby is a big player for us and we obviously need him back as soon as possible.

“So the manager has got a tough decision to make but he knows whenever he calls me that I can deliver and help the team.

“I played some really big games last season and I really enjoyed the test. I was able to contribute and improve myself.

“I don’t feel as though I’m here to fill in for anyone. But I pride myself on always being ready to take on whatever role the manager wants me to fill.

“It’s all about playing at the highest level, competing for trophies and helping the team in whatever way I can.

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“There are many players here who can play in the central striker’s position and we’re all good players.

“Everyone is going to have a contribution so it’s all about being ready to contribute and hopefully I can do that throughout the season.”

Nketiah delivered a timely reminder of his finishing ability with Arsenal’s equaliser in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Monaco.

When Jesus was ruled out by a knee injury after the World Cup last year, Nketiah scored six times in his first six games as the Brazilian’s Arsenal replacement.

And though the goals subsequently dried up for the young Londoner before he was replaced by new signing Leandro Trossard, that has not affected his belief that he can be a major player for Arsenal this season.

His confidence was further boosted when he was handed the captain’s armband by Arteta ahead of Wednesday’s final pre-season friendly.

He admitted: “It was an amazing feeling for myself and all my family and I’m really grateful to the coach for trusting me like that.

“I only found out just before the match and I’m really grateful to have had that opportunity. It was a really nice moment.”

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