Bacary Sagna claims Arsenal have solved key Gabriel Jesus problem thanks to ‘improved’ striker

Arsenal do not need to worry about Gabriel Jesus getting injured because they already have plenty of back-up up front, says Bacary Sagna.

Jesus has been a revelation since signing from Manchester City in the summer but pundits and fans have voiced concerns over how the team will fare should he suffer an injury.

Former Gunners defender Sagna believes both Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are primed to step up should they need to ahead of a gruelling schedule in the lead-up to the World Cup.

“Touch wood, Gabriel Jesus can stay fit, but I think Martinelli can play up there if needed,” he told website Lord Ping.

“Nketiah is ready to step up if they need him. Last year, he responded to the challenge well and scored some good goals for Arsenal - he looks like he has improved and he has the confidence of Arteta. He has different qualities to Gabriel, but he is a good striker and he has shown he can do it when he plays.

“He progressed a lot last year. Players want to play week in, week out. He did that last season and he now knows that he can do it at the highest level. He looks more confident and relaxed than we’ve seen him before, so, if there was a scenario where Gabriel was out for a few matches and Eddie came in, I would be confident that he would deliver.

“He has developed an understanding with Arsenal’s other attacking players after the run of games he got last season - he will be ready to go if he is needed. I also like what he is doing this season, coming off the bench and creating problems.”

Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday and Sagna reckons the clash will be a key litmus test of both teams’ goals for the season.

He said: “Is it a big test for them to underline their title credentials? Absolutely. I am really looking forward to seeing how they respond to the challenge. This is an opportunity for them to make a statement as a team.”