Mikel Arteta confirmed Gabriel Jesus is nearing an Arsenal return after an 11-month injury layoff, but the manager emphasizes caution for his reintegration, with other key players also facing fitness checks ahead of the festive period.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has resumed first-team training and is nearing full match fitness, according to a report from The New York Times — The Athletic.
The Brazilian suffered a serious knee injury in January and has been sidelined since, but manager Mikel Arteta now describes him as “quite close” to returning.
Arteta revealed the plan is to ease Jesus back via an internal behind-closed-doors game before considering him for competitive fixtures.
While the club has strengthened its attack since Jesus’s injury — including new signings — the report notes the 28-year-old striker remains under contract until 2027 and appears committed to fighting for his place.
If fit and reintegrated carefully, Jesus could represent a significant boost for Arsenal’s attacking options in the near future.