Mikel Arteta has given a positive update on Gabriel Jesus' rehab with the Brazilian now training with a ball.
The forward came back from the World Cup with an injury that has sidelined him for months. Jesus had to undergo surgery on a knee issue, which has left Arsenal light in the final third as they continue to push for the Premier League title.
Eddie Nketiah has had to come in to fill the void and performed impressively, but Jesus' impact had been immediate following his summer move for Manchester City. Despite Nketiah's impressive form many expect the Brazilian to return to the fold once fit and Arteta is pleased with his progress.
The Arsenal boss said: "He's doing really well, he’s been doing quite a lot of work on the ball already and his rehab is going well." Much of Jesus' training has been solo as he looks to get up to the speed and intensity required to play in the first-team this term.
Arteta confessed earlier this season that Jesus' injury set him back longer than they anticipated but he wanted him back for the season run-in. “Hopefully we will have Gabriel back for the final months. It was a serious injury, a bit longer than we expected it," Arteta said. "He is going to do everything he can to make it shorter but we’ll miss him for a while."
Nketiah has filled in impressively since the New Year, scoring several major goals. He bagged a brace against Manchester United, including the winner as they secured a 3-2 success. He also bagged goals in wins over West Ham and Brighton.
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Arsenal's squad depth is being tested however with their gap at the top shrinking at the weekend. Arteta has largely worked with a small group of players throughout the season, making very few changes. Leandro Trossard was signed in January to add another option with the team set to face their toughest test of the season when they face Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Arteta was quizzed on whether he'd make any changes given they've gone winless in their last two games: "For us it’s more about performances and what the players have given us to take us to the position that we’re in today.
"They deserve opportunities and we’re looking to move players and to give them opportunities they deserve. You talked about Leo, but we can talk about anybody who has had minutes in this league. There will be changes and it’s going to happen soon."
