Arsenal can win the Premier League this season despite Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup injury, according to former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished fifth last season, moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League before the World Cup break.
The Gunners are bidding to win their first league title since 2004 and took 37 points from a possible 42 before the Premier League paused, putting significant pressure on defending champions Manchester City.
Arsenal could be without first-choice striker Jesus for up to three months after he injured his right knee during Brazil’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Jesus has impressed at the Emirates following a £50m move from Man City last summer, with Arteta and several Arsenal legends hailing his impact.
The 25-year-old’s absence is certainly a blow for Arsenal but ex-England boss Eriksson insists the Gunners can still take Manchester City’s crown this season.
‘Gabriel Jesus’ injury is very bad news for Arsenal, but I still think they can win the Premier League,’ he told OLBG.
‘I have not seen much of Eddie Nketiah but I have watched Arsenal a few times and I think Mikel Arteta is doing a fantastic job.
‘It will be hard to beat Manchester City because they don’t lose many games, but Arsenal can do it.’
Nketiah, who signed a new five-year deal last summer, will expect to have a significant role in the Arsenal team while Jesus is out injured.
The England U21 record goalscorer scored five goals in seven games at the end of last season despite Arsenal’s wobble that saw them miss out on the Champions League.
Reacting to Jesus’ injury, Nketiah expressed sympathy for his team-mate while insisting he is ready to step up and fill the void left by the Brazilian.
‘I have been working hard, I’ve been working hard all season and I’m sure when I get the opportunity I’ll be able to come in and help the team,’ Nketiah said.
‘I spoke to him [Jesus] and wished him a speedy recovery. It is never nice to see anyone miss a World Cup and also for us as a team he is a big player, we are going to miss him. We are all behind him.’
MORE : Arsene Wenger congratulates ex-Arsenal star Emi Martinez for World Cup heroics
MORE : Arsenal legend Ray Parlour urges Mikel Arteta to sign two World Cup stars
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