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Gabriel Jesus is expected to return to the Arsenal squad before the international break, according to the soccer news website football.london.
The Brazilian has been out since November due to a knee injury acquired during World Cup international duties.
It is customary for Brazil’s injured players to remain with the team for the entirety of each tournament, but Arsenal director of football Edu reportedly intervened so that Jesus could return to London early for surgery and get back playing for his North London club as soon as possible.
While he continues to heal from that surgery, Jesus has returned to London Colney, where the medical staff of Arsenal has been gradually increasing the weight placed on his wounded leg.
Arteta Provides Optimistic Injury Update Regarding Jesus
Last week, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta disclosed that this process is proceeding smoothly and the club will be expecting the striker to return in coming weeks.
“He’s progressing well,” the Spaniard said ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Leicester City.
“[He’s] Doing more and more on the field. The knee’s not reacting so it’s really positive,” Arteta said, “We want him back as quick as possible, but also respecting the timescale that the doctors and the specialists are giving us.”
Brazilian’s Goals Could be Crucial for the Run-In
Six more matches remain for Arsenal before the March international break. Jesus is unlikely to return in time for Wednesday’s play against Everton or Saturday’s showdown against Bournemouth.
Arsenal are hopeful of having the 25-year-old back in the squad before the international break. But first, the North London side have to face into a crucial series of fixtures that could make or break their so far successful season.
Beyond that, the Gunners have two legs of their round of 16 Europa League encounter with Sporting CP sandwiching a trip to Fulham.
They will then host Crystal Palace before a two-week Premier League break. Arsenal are hopeful that Jesus will rejoin the team before this time.
It is probable that the Gunners will utilize under-21 matches to improve the Brazilian’s conditioning before to his return to the first squad. However, depending on form the English top-flight side could recall him earlier.
If Jesus can return to action for his club in the run of final Premier League games it would offer Arsenal a massive boost. The striker led the line for the side following his summer move from Man City and was the Gunner’s top scorer until he sustained his World Cup injury in Qatar.
There was a worry that Arsenal would be without a goal scorer at the time but back-up striker Eddie Nketiah stepped up to provide several crucial goals for his side. Since then, the young striker has struggled to hit form and a return to fitness for Jesus would be welcomed with open arms by Arsenal fans.
If the Brazilian can make a return to his pre-Qatar form then he could ensure that the Gunners secure their first league title in several years ahead of his old club.
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