Mikel Arteta left puzzled by new time-wasting rules after seeing Takehiro Tomiyasu sent off in Crystal Palace win

Mikel Arteta admitted his side must reassess their strategy in closing out games as Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent-off minutes after being booked for time-wasting in Arsenal‘s victory over Crystal Palace on Monday.

The defender picked up a yellow card for perceived time-wasting when taking a throw-in, before receiving a second caution for tugging on Jordan Ayew’s shirt.

It has left Arteta puzzled over the league’s rules with referees having been tasked to clampdown on the matter this season.

Ahead of Saturday’s match against Fulham, he said: ‘Yeah (we need to reassess our strategy).

‘It’s quite a lot of things we have to manage because what about if a winger picks up the ball because he wants to play fast and then he can’t, but then you decide to play a long throw so you need the opposite fullback to come across the pitch, get the towel and throw it. Can we do that? I don’t know.’

Mikel Arteta has said his Arsenal side may have to change their approach to avoid picking up similar cautions in the future

On team selection, Arteta has left Gabriel on the bench for the Gunners’ first two Premier League games of the season despite being a mainstay in the last campaign.

It has been a matter Gabriel has had to come to terms with, but his manager has taken him aside to explain the situation.

‘Yes (it is difficult for Gabriel) but we have to focus on what is now and what is ahead, and how we’re going to evolve that,’ he said.

‘Gabby will play a lot of games, I’m sure. It’s about bringing the competition high and trying to make the team play better, better, better and win more games.

‘Especially (being) someone who has played a lot of minutes and games with us in the last year, I told him (why he’s out). He understands the reasons – whether he agrees with it is something different! But the best way to do it is when you play, just tell me how blind and wrong I am.’

A major boost for the Gunners’ is the return of Gabriel Jesus, who may even start on Saturday.

Defender Gabriel has had to settle for two substitue appearances so far this season after being a regualr starter last term

Gabriel Jesus has returned to training following knee surgery and is available for Saturday’s game against Fulham

The Brazilian striker impressed over pre-season, only to require knee surgery to solve a recurring problem before the 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.

There were initial fears he would be out for a prolonged period, with his comeback to training on Thursday ahead of schedule.

Arteta said: ‘I was really happy (to see him back training). It was a big blow for him after the pre-season he had to have another surgery. He’s looking really sharp. He trained the full week good. He’s ready to go.’

When asked whether Jesus could start against Fulham, he added: ‘He’s ready to go. We’ll see.’