Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be set for an early Christmas present with the long-awaited return of striker Gabriel Jesus, who has been spotted back in full first-team training.
Major Fitness Boost for the Gunners
The Brazil international has been absent from the first team for 10 months after suffering a cruciate ligament tear during the FA Cup clash with Manchester United in January. Hopes had been high for a return before the end of the year, and this now appears increasingly likely.
Arsenal shared footage this week showing Jesus fully participating in training sessions, where he was seen finding the back of the net and competing vigorously with teammates. The 28-year-old cut a determined figure, looking ready to make his comeback.
Arteta's Cautious Approach
While Jesus had begun training with the first team ahead of the Sunderland match earlier this month, Arteta remained cautious about his return timeline. "I don't know. Now it's about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding," the manager stated.
Arteta explained the significance of this phase: "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."
Whether Arteta will risk the forward in this weekend's crucial North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain, particularly with other attacking concerns. Viktor Gyokeres was not part of the Sweden squad during the international break and is considered a doubt, while Kai Havertz isn't expected back until December following a 'small relapse' in his recovery.
Jesus's Proven Festive Pedigree
The timing of Jesus's potential return could prove particularly valuable given Arsenal's packed schedule between now and the New Year. The Brazilian demonstrated remarkable form during last season's festive period, transforming his campaign after scoring just two goals across all competitions before December.
His purple patch began with a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on December 18, securing a 3-2 victory for the Gunners. He followed this with a brace against the same opposition in the Premier League just three days later on December 21, and capped his impressive run with a goal away at Brentford on New Year's Day.
With Arsenal scheduled to face Crystal Palace again next month at the same stage of the Carabao Cup, Jesus will undoubtedly be eager to replicate his previous success against familiar opponents once he makes his full return from injury.
