Former Aston Villa and England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor says that English-born Ghana striker Eddie Nketiah must now step in for injured lead striker Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian sustained what looks like a season-ending injury at the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar.

Jesus underwent surgery on his right knee after suffering an injury during Brazil's World Cup group-stage match against Cameroon.

Agbonlahor says that the Arsenal reserve must now justify the £100,000-a-week contract extension that was handed him at the end of last season.

Eddie Nketiah has been on the periphery of first-team football having struggled for a place in the starting lineup but has the chance to prove his worth.

He has failed to score in 12 English Premier League matches so far this season and will be looking to change that in the coming days.

"Eddie Nketiah has got to step up now. He’s getting paid £ 100,000 a week. He’s got to repay that faith by banging in the goals until Jesus is back," Agbonlahor told Football Insider.

"Arsenal shouldn’t have given him that money if he wasn’t good enough to step up and be their main striker if needed.

Nketiah has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this season, scored three goals, and provided one assist.