Mikel Arteta has provided an important update on the progress of a number of key injured players, including Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Jorginho, ahead of Saturday's game against Bournemouth.
Brazil forward Jesus is edging back to fitness after injuring his knee in his country's World Cup game with Cameroon in Qatar, with the Gunners' boss confirming he is "not far" from a return to action.
Meanwhile, Nketiah and Jorginho were able to play at least some part in the 4-0 win over Everton in midweek, although both did so despite issues affecting them.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta plans for Gabriel Jesus return as Arsenal January signing risks losing his place
Arteta explained after the win against Everton why Thomas Partey came on to replace Italy international Jorginho at half-time, confirming that he "wasn’t feeling good today."
However, having assessed the former Chelsea man, Arsenal have deemed him ready to take on the Cherries at Stamford Bridge.
"Jorgi’s fine," Arteta said. "He had an illness and he put in a great shift but we decided to take him off."
Regarding the Brazilian striker, it was excellent to hear Arteta so positive about his No. 9. The Gunners' boss added that Jesus had even been doing some work with the squad in training.
Arteta added: "He's not far now. I don't want to give a timeline but he's doing certain things with the team, certain things outside the team. He's not very close but he is not far at all.
"He's feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving and we are in a good place with him I think."
Pressed further on the journey revolving around his injury, Arteta explained that despite it being long-term, it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
"I think it's been pretty straightforward. Obviously, at the beginning, we were concerned with the possible extent of the injury, we were talking about a few options there and thankfully it wasn't that bad.
"It was a long-term injury it required surgery. Gabriel, he's been through it before, his mentality and the team has been absolutely incredible to put him in the position he is today."
With the Europa League returning in a week's time, perhaps there is hope that Jesus could make the second leg against Sporting Lisbon to help ease him back into the action. football.london understands the club have been targeting a return before the international break and the Sporting CP clash could be when we first see him back in the squad.
The update on Eddie Nkeitah was less positive, however. Although Nketiah has played in the past couple of games from the bench, it was evident Arteta wasn't ruling out a potential absence for this weekend's squad.
"We are assessing him. It is a bit uncertain what is going to happen with to be honest. Hopefully, he will be fine," said Arteta.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Eddie Nketiah injury, Gabriel Jesus Arsenal return and Zinchenko
Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel Jesus is 'not far' from Arsenal return amid Europa League hope
Mikel Arteta refuses to rule out long-term Arsenal absence as Eddie Nketiah injury is revealed
Nketiah, Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal injury news and return dates before Bournemouth
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
