Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has given an update on his recovery from a serious knee injury. The forward has been sidelined since January after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Gunners’ defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup last season. Jesus has been keeping fans updated on his progress via social media as he continues his rehabilitation.
Despite making good progress, it may still be some time before he is fit enough for selection by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meaning he won’t be ready to play against Crystal Palace this weekend. The 28-year-old was not included in the club’s Champions League squad, suggesting that he is unlikely to be available for most of their group matches.
In Arsenal’s latest matchday programme, following their resounding victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, Jesus provided further insight into his recovery.
“I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It’s been too long.
“An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit.
“I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.
“When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”
Arsenal’s injury woes continue with captain Martin Odegaard set to miss Sunday’s home game against Crystal Palace due to a knee injury, with manager Mikel Arteta predicting the Norwegian will be sidelined for several more weeks.
The Gunners are also without Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke, both of whom are nursing knee injuries that will keep them out of action until at least next month.
Arsenal will be full of confidence heading into their game against Palace after breezing past Atletico Madrid in midweek.
The match also saw Viktor Gyokeres end his scoring drought with a brace in the second half, with Arteta singing his praises after the final whistle.
“He deserved it because everything that we were seeing in terms of what he was bringing to the team and how much he was helping the team in many areas, apart from scoring goals in the last few weeks,” said the Spaniard.
“It was about keeping that belief in himself, that emotional state that he can enjoy and play freely. I think he has certainly done that today, [he had] a big smile on his face.
“Look at his team-mates as well, in the picture and the video, they are all so happy for him because he fully deserves it.”