Premier League return: Arsenal find themselves in a familiar position but in a condition to prevent a repetition of disaster

Arsenal have been here before but they look better and capable of overcoming the storm that wiped their predecessors and fortune seems to be on their side because the transfer window is not far away.

The emergence of the news of Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury has obviously not been well received by Arsenal, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans world wide and to worsen matters, he is expected to be out for at least three months.

The Brazilian has had a promising start to life at the Emirates and the fans are now dreaming of the possibility of winning the Premier League title, which has eluded them since the Invincibles in 2004.

However, just as it had happened in the past, with the likes of Edouardo da Silva, Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey to mention but a few have all been victims of unfortunate injuries, when they Gunners were in good positions to challenge for the league title.

This time, it looks like it is the turn of the 25year old, who has now been ruled out to return in March following the injury sustained in Brazil's final group game against Cameroon in the FIFA World Cup.

Eddie Nketiah is expected to deputize in the next couple of games before the transfer window opens as fans look out for their club doing business to replace the injured striker and if not, it means Arteta have full trust in Nketiah.

Albeit the prospect of playing the English striker as the outright number one striker for the next three months worries fans, it is worth acknowledging that Nketiah has scored ten times in his last 15 starts for the Gunners and was really good in the later stages of last season, when he was put ahead of the departed Alexandre Lacazette.

Moreso, since the appointment of Mikel Arteta, only Bukayo Saka, 25 has scored more goals than Eddie Nketiah, 23 across all competitions for Arsenal.

However, if Arsenal wants to do short-term business, it couldn't get any better for them as a player of Joao Felix profile could be available on loan until the end of the season and will slot in seamlessly into the Arsenal XI, replacing Jesus.

The Portuguese can also fit in elsewhere depending on how Mikel Arteta wants to deploy him. He is of the right age and without a doubt hugely talented. It will be a boost for their season ambition.

Felix will bring more balance to their game, just like Jesus and unlike Eddie Nketiah, he is more talented in all areas and his transition with Gabriel Martinelli out wide and in the No.9 position will be astonishing.

He appears to be a better finisher than both Jesus and Nketiah so a deal for the Portuguese will really make much sense if Arsenal can pull it off.

Arsenal currently lead City by five points but knowing their rival to be almost too good for any side in the league, Arsenal must leave no stone unturned in the transfer window to put themselves in a good position to protect their advantage.

Emile Smith Rowe is close to return from his long-term injury and according to Arteta, the young Englishman is already back in training and it won't be long until we see him back to full fitness while Reiss Nelson is ruled out for the coming weeks, projected to return mid January for the North London derby.

Albeit Jesus’ injury is in comparison, close to that of the past players that have in the end huant the club, this time, they have their fate in own hands and can capitalize on the positives to improve the situation.

Arsenal host West Ham United at the Emirates later today and a win in the London derby match will take them eight points ahead of Manchester City, who will not be in action until late on Wednesday at Elland Road.

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi