Mikel Arteta has announced that Gabriel Jesus is “very close” to making his return to Arsenal. The Brazilian forward has been sidelined for 11 months due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during a match against Manchester United in January. Recently, his recovery efforts have accelerated.
Gabriel Jesus’ Recovery Progress
Arteta revealed that Jesus participated in a behind-closed-doors match recently, indicating significant progress in his recovery. The manager noted, “It was very positive” and mentioned the involvement of both Jesus and young player Ethan Nwaneri, who also needed game time.
Reintegration Timeline
When questioned about Jesus’s reintegration into the squad, Arteta emphasized caution. The manager acknowledged that after such a lengthy absence, they must assess how Jesus’s body, particularly his knee, reacts to increased training loads. Arteta said, “We have to see… it’s about making those gaps as short as possible.”
Impact on the Team
Before his injury, Jesus scored six goals in four matches and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s attack. Post-injury, Arsenal’s roster has undergone changes, with eight new signings and existing members like Mikel Merino taking on different responsibilities. Arteta remains confident in Jesus’s ability to integrate with the new squad, stating, “It’s always been one of Gabi’s qualities… he still has that.”
Other Injury Updates
- Forward Leandro Trossard recently suffered a calf injury but is expected to undergo further tests.
- Arsenal awaits scan results for Gabriel Magalhaes, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz, with Arteta expressing optimism regarding their recovery timelines.
Arteta commented positively on Gabriel’s recovery pace, noting, “He is evolving really well.” While the manager refrained from predicting if any of the injured players would return before the New Year, he expressed hopefulness for their imminent returns.
Upcoming Matches
Arsenal is set to face Chelsea, currently positioned second in the league. As they prepare, the team will continue to monitor the health of key players as the busy festive period approaches.
