Mikel Arteta in traning.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta in traning. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta could have another attacking option at his disposal at Arsenal following the end of the international break.
The Brazil international suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the FA Cup clash with Manchester United in January and hasn’t appeared for the first team in 10 months. It had been hoped that the 28-year-old could return before the end of the year and it appears that could be the case.
Arsenal shared a video of Jesus in full training this week and he could be seen finding the back of the net. Jesus cut a determined figure as he competed with teammates and looked raring to go.
Arsenal striker seen back in first team training ahead of Tottenham Hotspur
Jesus had started training with the first team again ahead of the meeting with Sunderland earlier this month. When asked when the striker could return, Arteta had said: "I don't know. Now it's about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding.
“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 or not Arteta chooses to risk the forward in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend remains to be seen. Viktor Gyokeres was not part of the Sweden squad for the international break and is a doubt while Kai Havertz is not expected back until December after a ‘small relapse’ in his recovery.
Gabriel Jesus’ remarkable festive run
The fixtures come thick and fast for Arsenal between now and the New Year and having Jesus available would be a huge boost, especially given how prolific he was over the festive period last season.
Jesus had scored just two goals across all competitions before December last year and then hit a purple patch of form. The striker came alive with a hat-trick against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the Carabao Cup quarter final on December 18, helping the Gunners to a 3-2 win - the two sides meet at the same place in the stage of the competition next month.
The Brazilian followed that up with a brace against the Eagles at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on December 21 and also netted away at Brentford on New Year’s Day. Jesus will no doubt be raring for a similar run of form when he returns from injury, especially with an upcoming clash against Crystal Palace once again.
In other news, Predicted Arsenal starting XI vs Tottenham as big Gabriel, Odegaard & Gyokeres calls made.
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