Gabriel Jesus returns to Arsenal training with likely return date set in huge fitness boost

Arsenal have been handed a major fitness boost, with Gabriel Jesus returning to training on Thursday.

The striker underwent a minor knee procedure earlier this month. Arsenal have won both of their Premier League matches so far this season without him, but manager Mikel Arteta sees him as a key part of the attack this season.

Standard Sport reported at the Community Shield on August 6 that the Brazil international was limping slightly but replied “all good” when asked by reporters how the early stages of his recovery was going.

After being pictured training with the main Arsenal squad on Thursday, it is unclear whether he will be available to face Fulham this weekend although that is understood to be unlikely at this stage. He is more likely to return against Manchester United the following week, or after the international break.

Arsenal also have Albert Sambi Lokonga, Jurrien Timber, Folarin Balogun and Mohamed Elneny out injured at present. Kieran Tierney sat out Thursday’s session, too.

Speaking on August 11, Arteta said about Jesus’s fitness: “It’s a bit early still; it’s been less than two weeks since his op. He’s been doing really well, and next week hopefully, he can start doing some activity.

🚨 Arsenal players absent from training

❌ Folarin Balogun
❌ Kieran Tierney
❌ Nuno Tavares
❌ Albert Sambi Lokonga
❌ Rob Holding pic.twitter.com/QgoMfqh3iI

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 24, 2023

“But it’s something where we’re going to be cautious.”