LEANDRO TROSSARD warned Gabriel Jesus he is ready to scrap for a starting spot at title-chasing Arsenal.
The forward has emerged as a key man for the leaders after his £21million January arrival from Brighton.
Trossard claims he has already been forced to fight under Mikel Arteta — but welcomes the return of Jesus following knee surgery.
In Sunday’s 3-0 win at Fulham, Trossard became the first Premier League player to get three assists in the first half of an away game.
The Belgian was then replaced by Brazilian striker Jesus, who is back after getting injured at the World Cup.
Trossard, 28, said: “It’s not that I went into the starting XI from the first week. I had to fight for it.
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“We have such a good group and the competition is just so high.
“As you have seen in the last few weeks, we need everyone to win games. That’s what it is all about.
“The players have made settling in easy for me. The manager also helped me a lot.
“I am a tactical player and they are all so good on the ball as well, so it’s easier to adapt.”
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Jesus’ return comes at a good time for boss Arteta, whose team have bounced back from a 3-1 home defeat to title rivals Manchester City by winning five successive Premier League games.
Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, then Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Hailing Jesus’ return, Trossard added: “He is such a top player. He has a presence and makes other players better as well. It’s great to have him back.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
