Arsenal are able to make a late change to their Champions League squad following Cristhian Mosquera’s injury, should they wish
Football.London understands Arsenal are unlikely to add Gabriel Jesus to their Champions League squad ahead of this week’s trip to Belgium to face Club Brugge.
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Per UEFA rules, participating clubs can admit the temporary replacement of just one outfield player who is ruled out for an extended period of time, with a long-term injury or illness.
The helpful rule is applicable during the league phase up until matchday six which is due to take place this week.
With Arsenal centre-back Cristhian Mosquera expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with an ankle issue, Arsenal could have replaced the Spaniard with returning striker Jesus.
However, Football.London understands Mikel Arteta’s side are poised to stick to their guns in the hope that Mosquera could return to fitness in time for their final two group phase fixtures against Inter Milan and FC Kairat in January.
The Spain U21 international was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph over Brentford after jarring his leg in the turf.
Mosquera has made an outstanding start to his Arsenal career since joining from Valencia during the summer transfer window but the injury has now halted his momentum.
Meanwhile, centre-forward Jesus was recently back in the Gunners’ match-day squad against Brentford but he was left out of the trip to Villa Park.
Instead, he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Arsenal U21s on Saturday when they beat Manchester United U21s 3-0 at St George’s Park.
Max Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr were among the goal-scorers. It’s also understood Jesus recently featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against fellow London Colney-based side Watford.
When asked ahead of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea whether Jesus would need to build up his fitness in friendly matches before returning to the Arsenal fold, Arteta said: “We have to see. Obviously, he’s been out for 11 months, and you need that progression. You need to see how his body reacts and what else he needs.
“The players that we have available as well, it has to make sense to have the right balance in the squad. The good thing is, it’s [Jesus’ return] very, very close at the moment.”
Arsenal would make sure of a top-eight finish with victory in Belgium against Club Brugge on Wednesday but Arteta is expected to rotate his side ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolves. Unfortunately, Jesus will not be eligible to feature.
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