"He’s made a big step forward" - Mikel Arteta issues positive injury update on key Arsenal star
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Gabriel Jesus is close to reaching full fitness after recovering from a knee injury.
Jesus missed four months of action due to a serious right knee injury he picked up while at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Brazil. The Gunners striker underwent surgery and has featured in the side's last three games across competitions. He has worked his way back to fitness, managing 84 minutes.
Arteta has said that Jesus is on the right track and has looked good in training. He said (via football london) in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Leeds United on Saturday (April 1):
"He’s very close to that. In the last 10 days, he’s made a big step forward. You can see he’s looser and not thinking about it. He’s creating that chaos in training. He’s in a really good place now."
The Gunners host Leeds as they inch closer towards their first league title since 2004. They're atop the league, holding an eight-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Jesus' return comes at a vital stage of the season with the north Londoners needing to push on and continue their remarkable league campaign.
The Brazilian forward has five goals and seven assists in 24 games across competitions since arriving from City last summer. His captain Martin Odegaard spoke of his importance to the side given his experience of winning the league at the Etihad four times. He said (via GOAL):
"Gabriel is a great addition to the squad again. He gives so much every day in training; he comes in and trains like it’s a game. He gives everything in all situations, so it is great to have him back."
Odegaard added:
"Of course, he has been at Manchester City and won a few things there, so he can help with his experience and his energy as well. Great to have him back."
Arsenal legend Ian Wright backs Folarin Balogun to have breakthrough 2023-24 season
Balogun, 21, on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Reims this season, has been in superb form. The young English striker has scored 17 goals in 27 league games, sitting joint third in the goalscoring ranks.
He's set to return to Arsenal in the summer when his loan stint expires with Will Still's side. Wright expects him to make an impact for the Gunners when he heads back to the Emirates next season, telling Wrighty's House Podcast:
"Hopefully, he can come back to Arsenal at some stage and prove himself. He’s gone to another level in confidence."
He added:
"I think anywhere he goes in aspect of leagues; he’ll do what he is doing (in France) with the right service. ... I guarantee you if he comes back, he probably picks up from what he’s doing in that league."
Jesus may just have to start looking over his shoulder with the emergence of Balogun. Meanwhile, Arsenal also have Eddie Nketiah to call upon, who has bagged nine goals in 32 games this season.