Mikel Arteta tells struggling Arsenal star what he needs to play more

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Arteta must ‘earn the right to play more’ as the Brazilian searches for his best form and first goal of the season.

The striker has started just one Premier League game this campaign so far and is still looking to find the back of the net for the first time after eight appearanes in all competitions.

The former Manchester City forward scored a couple of goals in pre-season but has not scored competitively since January in a win at Nottingham Forest.

Kai Havertz has proved a more potent option up front and Jesus has had to make do with more of a bit-part role of late, but Arteta says he is pleased with what he has seen from the 27-year-old.

It is just a case of continuing to put in the hard work and take his chances when they arrive, which could be at Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

‘He came on in a great shape, probably in the best condition he’s been with us,’ said Arteta of Jesus. ‘He was flying in pre-season and unfortunately he got that injury [groin] straight away that affected him for a few weeks.

‘He put again a lot of work into it to come back and now he needs to get the rhythm. He’s playing a few games, he’s started two games in a row versus Atalanta and Bolton, he’s come on against Southampton.

‘So yeah, he’s there. Now he needs to earn the right to play more. He’s got our full support, he’s a player that can play in various positions and he’s a really important player for us.’

Jesus will hope to get a chance against the Cherries on Saturday as fitness issues hang over a number of Arsenal players after the international break.

Martin Odegaard remains out with an ankle problem, while Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have all been lacking full fitness but could all still feature this weekend.

Asked for an update on Saka, Arteta told a press conference on Friday: ‘It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving really well. He was maybe well enough to play in the second [England] game.

‘He’s done some stuff over the last few days. We are hopeful. We have training this afternoon so let’s see if he can make it on time.’

On Havertz, Arteta added: ‘He had a few issues but we’re dealing with it. He’s been absolutely brilliant.

‘He has good communication with the national team manager. Again, if he trains well today he has a good chance to play tomorrow.’

Regarding Martinelli, he said: ‘Gabby only landed yesterday afternoon,’ Arteta said. ‘He went outside a bit to see how he’s feeling, today he will step up and we can see.

‘We have to decide if we want to take a risk because I know he will say he is okay.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.