Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has revealed the conversation he had with Gabriel Jesus ahead of the Brazilian's return to action against Fulham on Sunday.
Jesus had been sidelined since the World Cup after suffering medial ligament to his knee whilst in Qatar with Brazil. Before the injury, the forward had been one of the Gunners' most influential players with 11 goal contributions in 14 Premier League games.
Fortunately, his absence did not derail Arsenal's title ambitions and his return comes just in time for the run-in with Manchester City. The north Londoners are five points clear of Jesus' former employers with 11 games remaining.
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The 25-year-old replaced Leandro Trossard in the 77th-minute at Craven Cottage and was greeted with vocal cheers from the travelling Gunners. He was unfortunate not to mark his return with a goal when Bernd Leno denied him from close range.
After taking in the atmosphere at the final whistle, Arteta was quizzed on Jesus' return and he told football.london: "(It's a) big boost. The first step today. We didn’t know if it was the right game today.
"He said to me a few days ago ‘I’m still missing something.’ Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said ‘I’m ready’. I said ‘OK!’ So then we had the opportunity to throw him in.
"It’s that first step to give him the big boost. He looks free, he looks ready and straight away he generated those two big chances. It’s great to have him back."
Martin Odegaard was also vocal in the importance of Jesus' return to the squad. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: "I think it’s a massive boost.
"He’s been out for a while now and we know what he’s going to give to the team again. We’re all excited to have him back so very, very happy for him and the team."
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