Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Jesus injury as Arsenal star steps up return ahead of City clash
Mikel Arteta provided an update on Gabriel Jesus’ rehabilitation, noting that the Brazilian is now training with a ball.
The forward returned from the World Cup with an injury that has kept him out of action for several months.
Jesus was forced to undergo knee surgery, leaving Arsenal depleted in the final third as they continue to contend for the Premier League crown.
Eddie Nketiah stepped in to fill the void and performed admirably, but Jesus’ impact was immediate following his transfer to Manchester City in the summer.
Despite Nketiah’s impressive form, many anticipate that the Brazilian will rejoin the team once he is fit, and Arteta is pleased with his development.
The Arsenal boss said: “He’s doing really well, he’s been doing quite a lot of work on the ball already and his rehab is going well.” Much of Jesus’ training has been solo as he looks to get up to the speed and intensity required to play in the first-team this term.
Arteta admitted earlier in the season that Jesus’ injury set him back longer than expected, but he desired his return for the stretch run. “Hopefully we will have Gabriel back for the final months. It was a serious injury, a bit longer than we expected it,” Arteta said. “He is going to do everything he can to make it shorter but we’ll miss him for a while.”
Nketiah has filled in admirably since the beginning of the year, scoring several significant goals. He scored twice against Manchester United, including the game-winning goal as his team won 3-2. He also scored in victories against West Ham and Brighton.
However, Arsenal’s squad depth is being tested as their lead at the top narrows over the weekend.
Throughout the season, Arteta has primarily worked with a small group of players, making few substitutions. Leandro Trossard was signed in January to provide the team with an additional option as they prepare to face Manchester City on Wednesday night, the most difficult test of the season.
Given that they have lost their last two games, Arteta was asked if he would make any adjustments.
“For us it’s more about performances and what the players have given us to take us to the position that we’re in today.
“They deserve opportunities and we’re looking to move players and to give them opportunities they deserve. You talked about Leo, but we can talk about anybody who has had minutes in this league. There will be changes and it’s going to happen soon.”
Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Jesus injury as Arsenal star steps up return ahead of City clash
