‘He’s fit’… Arteta issues Gabriel Jesus update but warns Arsenal fans of one thing

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Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus could be set to feature against Sheffield United on Monday, but the club do hold concerns over his fitness.

Jesus has been suffering from recurring knee injuries since picking up a long-term problem at the World Cup last year, and underwent surgery again in the summer which meant he missed the start of the season.

He has suffered from numerous absences since, and has not featured since Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest last month.

The Brazilian was an unused substitute against Newcastle United on Saturday, and Mikel Arteta has now explained that Arsenal will be cautious over easing him back into action.

Mikel Arteta urges caution over Gabriel Jesus injury recovery

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Monday’s game against Sheffield United, Arteta explained why Jesus did not appear against Newcastle, and issued a warning to Arsenal fans that Jesus will not be unnecessarily risked.

“He’s fit enough. How long he will last that’s very different,” Arteta stated.

“We didn’t want to take any risks. We need him fit and now we want to make sure we load him in the right way.”

Arsenal need Gabriel Jesus for the Champions League

After what has been a difficult campaign for the 26-year-old, the last thing he needs right now is another injury setback.

With Arsenal scoring freely in recent games without him, there is little need to risk him against Sheffield United, and he should be saved for matches in which his experience will prove vital.

Jesus has a phenomenal record in the Champions League, and he was badly missed in the recent first-leg knockout round defeat to Porto.

With the second leg coming up, Jesus could be vital to helping Arsenal qualify for the quarter-finals, whilst there are also big games against the likes of Manchester City coming up in just over a month.

If Arsenal can time Jesus’ full return to fitness in time for the crucial run-in, it will be worth leaving him out now, and there is little need to throw him straight back in at Bramall Lane, with Leandro Trossard performing well in recent weeks.

Arsenal scored 15 times in their last three league games without Jesus, but did not register a single shot on target in Porto, and it is clear that his influence in Europe will be necessary if Arsenal want to progress further in the competition.