Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident Eddie Nketiah is ready to step up and replace Gabriel Jesus when domestic action resumes.
The Gunners will be without the services of their Brazilian for several weeks after undergoing surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury during Brazil's World Cup group stage match against Cameroon.
Nketiah has struggled to hit top form for Arsenal, making 12 league appearances and is yet to find the back of the net, however, Arteta is backing him to lead the attack in the absence of Jesus.
"Eddie [Nketiah] is always ready. He knows that it opens an opportunity for him," Arteta told Arsenal website, adding:
"He needs to grab it but the way he trains every day and the mentality he has, he gives us no reason not to think he’s going to be super ready to perform.
Nketiah has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season, scored three goals and provided one assists.