Gabriel Jesus ‘is in contention to travel with Arsenal for their Europa League clash with Sporting Lisbon’, with the Brazilian striker nearing a return after three months sidelined with a knee injury.
- Gabriel Jesús has been absent since suffering a knee injury at the World Cup
- The Brazilian striker resumed contact training last week as he nears his comeback
- The availability of Jesus would give Arsenal an important boost in their fight for the title
Gabriel Jesus is reportedly in contention to travel with the Arsenal squad to Lisbon as the Brazilian striker nears his return after three months on the sidelines.
Jesus has been absent from the Gunners since undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained at the World Cup in Brazil.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed last week that the star was getting closer to a return.
The Brazilian forward had been photographed training at the club’s base in London Colney.
According SunJesus could be included in Arsenal’s trip to Thursday’s Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon.
Gabriel Jesus was pictured at Arsenal training last week as the striker nears his return.
Jesús could travel to Lisbon to continue training with the Arsenal squad as he approaches his return
The round of 16 tie is expected to come too soon for Jesús to return, but he would reportedly go on to rejoin first-team training.
Jesus may still be absent from Arsenal’s next two Premier League matches, before returning after the international break against Leeds in early April.
Arteta said ahead of the Gunners’ dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth that they were happy with Jesus’ progress in his recovery.
“It’s not very close, but it’s not far either,” Arteta said.
He feels better every day and the doctors trust the evolution of the injury. We’re in a good place with him, I think.
“His mentality is incredible and the team has done a very good job with him to put him in the position he is in today.”
The return of Jesus would give Arsenal a boost in their quest for the Premier League title.
The Brazilian had scored five goals in 14 Premier League games before his injury.
Mikel Arteta’s team will return to action in the Europa League on Thursday against Sporting Lisbon
Arteta has praised how his squad has endured during Jesús’s absence.
The late win over Bournemouth saw Arteta’s side maintain their five-point lead over defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table.
Arsenal will return to Europa League action on Thursday when they take on Sporting Lisbon at the José Alvalade Stadium.
The Gunners are among the favorites to win the tournament.