Arsenal talisman Gabriel Jesus is close to returning to full contact training after Arsenal went without him for months
Arsenal have been without their star striker Gabriel Jesus for almost four months, but it seems he is close to a return. However, he won’t be available for selection against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The signings of Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko from Man City have been an absolute revelation for Arsenal. They have propelled Arsenal from a young team with a bright future to genuine title challengers.
Will Jesus’ return shoot Arsenal to the title?!
Even though Jesus immediately made an impact, the 25-year-old has been injured since the World Cup. The Brazilian had a knee surgery and has been on the road back to recovery ever since.
A road that is close to an end as manager Arteta claims. The Spaniard said of Jesus at Friday’s pre-Bournemouth press conference: “He’s not far now. I don’t want to give a timeline – he’s not very close, but he’s not far at all, and he’s feeling better every day.
“The doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving and we are in a good place with him, I think.
“It’s been pretty straightforward. Obviously, at the start, we were really concerned about the extent of the injury. Thankfully it was not that bad, but it was a long-term injury and required surgery.
“Knowing Gabi, he’s gone through this before. His mentality is just incredible and I think the team has done a good job to put him in the position he’s in today.”
Arteta was then asked if Jesus could play before the international break later this month, Arteta added: “We don’t know. We’re not far away but he needs to do much more with the team.
“We knew the importance of Gabi and the way he transformed this period and the belief“
“Lets see how the next week or 10 days develop, then we’ll have a much better picture.”
Even without Jesus, Arsenal managed to get a 5-point cushion over Man City which has Arteta so proud of his players.
“That was a huge blow for the team. We knew the importance of Gabi and the way he transformed this period and the belief,” Arteta said.
“But to be fair, the team made a step forward and players took more responsibility individually. They were keen to maintain the level and we have done it so far.
“What he was producing for the team was phenomenal. But it’s true that we now need to see what level he comes back at, how we are going to fit him in.
“Like everybody else he will have to earn his place, but we know what Gabi can give to the team, that’s for sure.”
