Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a positive update on one of his injured players, as Gabriel Jesus now looks set to return soon.
The Brazil striker underwent an operation to clean up a previous knee injury a few weeks ago after initially shining in pre-season and will miss a few games at the start of the campaign.
However, he now looks set to return to some form of training by next week, in the hope that he could return as Arsenal’s Champions League fixtures begin in September.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Nottingham Forest, Arteta stated that the club will be cautious over his injury.
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“It’s a bit early still, I know it’s only less than two weeks since his operation, he’s doing really well, to be fair,” he stated.
“Next week hopefully he can start on some activity, but it’s something that we want to be cautious over and make sure that he comes back in the right way.”
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Jesus’ importance to Arsenal
Arsenal do have Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard as available options whilst Jesus is out, but his importance to the team should not be understated.
Club legend Martin Keown described him as a “fantastic leader,” and the 26-year-old’s presence upfront adds so much to the team beyond goals.
His all-round centre-forward play makes him one of the best strikers in the league, and his ability on the ball helps the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard increase their output.
Arteta brought him in from Manchester City as an elite striker who could help Arsenal compete at the highest level, so he will be desperate to have him back as the Gunners return to the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
His injury last season kept Jesus out for a number of months, and the club will be hoping that when he does return, he can shake off the knee issues he has been suffering with.