Mikel Arteta confirms that ‘phenomenal’ Gabriel Jesus is ‘not far’ from a return to the first-team

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is “not far” from a return to first-team action.

The Brazilian striker, who was pictured out on the pitch for the first time since his injury on Wednesday, has been out for the past three months after picking up a knee injury in a World Cup group stage match against Cameroon. . He underwent surgery on his right knee in December.

Arteta has often been reluctant to give an exact timetable on the striker’s return, but the Arsenal boss said it will become much clearer in the next 10-day week.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta said: “He’s not far away now. I don’t want to give a timeline but he’s doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team. He’s not very close but he’s not far either. .

He feels better every day and is confident with the way the injury is progressing. We’re in a good place with him, I think.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that long-term absentee Gabriel Jesús is “not far” from returning to first-team action

Gabriel Jesus was pictured returning to training earlier this week, but he’s not ready to return just yet.

It has been quite simple. At first we were quite worried and luckily it wasn’t too bad. Gabi has been through it before, his mentality is unbelievable and the team has done a very good job with him.”

Arteta declined to confirm if Jesus would return before the international break and admitted he hasn’t started full contact training.

‘We don’t know,’ he said. “He needs to do a lot more with the team, but let’s see how they play out next week/10 days and we’ll have a better picture after that.”

Asked if Jesus would return directly to the team, the Arsenal manager added: “That probably wouldn’t be fair to him because when he was in the team he was phenomenal.” But when he returns like everyone else, he’ll have to earn his place on the team.

The Gunners host Bournemouth after defeating Everton 4-0, thanks to a brace from Gabriel Martinelli and one each for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. The resounding victory sent them five points clear of Manchester City.

Arsenal will play after Manchester City, who will try to close the gap to two points when they face Eddie Howe’s high-flying Newcastle at Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

The Gunners have also been concerned about whether Eddie Nketiah and Jorginho will be fit to play as the former suffered a knock against Everton and the latter withdrew at half time due to illness.

‘We are evaluating it [Eddie Nketiah] and it is a bit uncertain what will happen with the polishing,’ explained Arteta.

‘He is positive, so I hope he is okay. Jorginho is fine, he had an illness and was suffering, but now he is fit.

Arsenal increased their gap to Manchester City to five points with a 4-0 win against Everton on Wednesday.