Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is back scoring goals in training, with Mikel Arteta considering his options available to him for Sunday's crunch clash with north London rivals Tottenham
Gabriel Jesus is back scoring goals as Mikel Arteta faces a squad dilemma ahead of the north London derby this weekend.
The Brazilian striker suffered a cruciate ligament tear in an FA Cup clash with Manchester United back in January. Since then, Jesus has been on a long road to recovery.
Now, almost a year later, the 28-year-old looks closer than ever to returning to Arteta's matchday squad. Arsenal shared a video of Jesus finding the net repeatedly during a training session.
Jesus returned to training ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Sunderland earlier this month. Arteta was asked when he thought the forward will be able to make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt since the serious injury, but admitted at the time: "I don't know.
"Now it's about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding. Obviously, he's been doing everything on his own; now he's got players around him, very competitive players around him, and see how he copes with that.
"But he's full of energy, I love the reaction of all his teammates when he first joined us and yeah, great to have him back."
Jesus certainly looked full of energy in the video shared on Arsenal's official X account on Tuesday afternoon. The Brazilian could be seen beating players, creating space and finishing from all angles, which will certainly send a message to Arteta – that he wants to get back out on the pitch as soon as possible.
Although Arsenal’s No.9 looked sharp, but the next question is whether he can play a full 90 minutes. Various reports still place Jesus’ expected return date around mid-December.
Despite the wait, that could still provide a major boost for Arteta heading into a busy festive period. The Gunners will play eight games in December, including six Premier League fixtures, one Champions League match, and a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal fans were excited to see Jesus back scoring in training, with one commenting: "Back with a bang... Happy to see him smile on the grass again."
Many supporters questioned whether Jesus would be fit for the clash with Tottenham this Sunday. With Viktor Gyokeres’ own fitness in doubt, one fan added: "No Gyokeres no problem, Jesus our saviour is here."
Another hoped for a dream scenario: "Imagine if he returns and scores against Spurs," while another said: "I'm happy for Gabriel Jesus. Hopefully he will stay fit forever going forward."
Injuries have been an unfortunate constant in Jesus’ career. He suffered a knee injury early in his Arsenal spell, sidelining him for 100 days, while further knee and hamstring problems have seen him miss additional weeks at a time.
The Brazilian’s contract expires in 2027, and he will be hoping he can enjoy an injury-free second half to the season with the Gunners before deciding his future.