Arsenal have opted to rest Gabriel Jesus for their match against FK Bodo/Glimt in Norway, according to Mikel Arteta.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League group A match between Arsenal FC and FK Bodo/Glimt at Emirates Stadium on October 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League group A match between Arsenal FC and FK Bodo/Glimt at Emirates Stadium on October 06, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal supporters grew concerned about Gabriel Jesus on Wednesday when it became clear the striker wasn’t involved in training, but the news since then has been mostly positive.

Whilst it was confirmed that Jesus won’t be taking part in Arsenal’s match away to FK Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, Simon Collings reported that the player is fine. He’s simply being rested for the game against Leeds United at the weekend.

Mikel Arteta then verified the reports, telling the media: “With everything he has been through in the last few weeks we thought it was better that he was staying there (in England).”

Jesus has been in top form for Arsenal this season so far, scoring five goals, assisting four, and winning a penalty in 828 minutes – the equivalent of around nine games.

Providing a goal or assist every 92 minutes, there’s no denying the striker’s role in Arsenal’s 10 wins from their opening 11 matches of the campaign.

But in this hectic month, it’s inevitable that even Arsenal’s most important players will have to sit some games out.

Given the physicality Jesus had to contend with against Liverpool, this seems like a good time to give him a break.

arsenal fc v fk bodo glimt group a uefa europa league 3
LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Europa League group A match between Arsenal FC and FK Bodo/Glimt at Emirates Stadium on October 06, 2022. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

With two goals in his two Europa League starts, Eddie Nketiah will be able to step up in Jesus’ place. U21 striker Khayon Edwards is set to make the bench for Thursday night’s match.