Zinchenko expects 'true warrior' Jesus to bounce back from injury

Oleksandr Zinchenko expects 'true warrior' Gabriel Jesus to return 'much stronger than before' from injury, but has backed Eddie Nketiah to step up for Arsenal in the meantime.

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Mikel Arteta's side will resume their Premier League campaign five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table after impressing ahead of the World Cup break.

Arsenal host West Ham on Monday but they will do so without Jesus after the Brazilian striker underwent knee surgery following an injury in Qatar.

Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal along with Jesus from Manchester City in the last transfer window, has promised his team-mate will come back stronger as he encouraged the Gunners to step in in his absence.

"He's one of the leaders of our team. He's a real warrior," the Ukraine international told the club's official website.

"I have no doubt that he will come back much stronger than before, knowing him personally and knowing his character. As a team, we have to stick together."

Nketiah is likely to lead the line in Jesus' absence after largely playing a back-up role in Arteta's squad.

However, the 23-year-old scored five goals in the last seven league games last season, and Zinchenko believes he will be a capable substitute.

"I have no doubt that Nketiah will do his job wonderfully, and everyone trusts him," added the defender. “We have such a large group of people. We have this feeling of unity.”

Zinchenko is no stranger to pressure after winning four Premier League titles with City, and he insists Arsenal will not run out of steam this season.

"I just try to do my job the best I can. On the pitch, I give 100%," he continued.

"The fans have welcomed me so warmly to this club. I cannot be grateful enough for all they have done and the support I have received from them.

"What I've seen in the past [is] if you have the right attitude and behavior on and off the pitch, you can't get tired physically. You can only get tired in your head - everything comes from your head.

"If you do everything right in your routine - your sleep, your diet, take good care of yourself - and you do everything to prepare your fresh body, if you do everything right, you cannot be physically tired. ”