Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners have been without the Brazil international since December after he underwent knee surgery as a result of sustaining medial ligament damage during the World Cup group stage fixture against Cameroon. However, it would appear that a return to action isn't too far away.
For example, ahead of last Saturday's 1-0 loss against Everton, Jesus took to Instagram and uploaded an image of him finally being back on the grass with a caption that read: "After eight weeks" and most recently his personal trainer, Andre Cunha, shared a video of him running outside.
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And whilst this weekend's clash against Brentford comes too soon for the 25-year-old, he has been back at London Colney to step up his rehabilitation following some time in Brazil and Arteta has revealed the next step for last summer's £45m signing from Manchester City.
"Gabi (Jesus) is doing really well; he's already been outside a little bit. He's in the early stages. We need to respect some timelines and some processes, but he is doing really well," the Spaniard told reporters during the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "You have to see now when you put some load on that knee and put some movement and how he reacts."
Furthermore, when Arteta was asked if there was a timeframe for when Jesus will be available for selection again, his response suggests it won't be any time soon: "'No, not yet," the Gunners boss replied. "It's still too far off that."
Meanwhile, Arsenal's preparations for the game at the Emirates Stadium have been almost perfect as Thomas Partey, who was substituted just before the hour mark against Everton, was spotted in full training on Thursday alongside the likes of Jorginho, Bukayo Saka and club captain Martin Odegaard.
With Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson back in training too - although neither are ready to contribute yet - it's looking like it won't be much longer before Arteta has a near full-strength first-team squad at his disposal, with only Mohamed Elneny now a long-term injury casualty.
"The ones that they were long time like Emile, Reiss and Gabi they are closer," Arteta added. "They started to do some work outside but they are not ready to contribute yet."
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