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 Gabriel Jesus is back in training with the squad in Dubai. |
Gabriel
Jesus has recovered from the knee injury that saw him miss Arsenal’s last
outing and has been pictured back in training on the club’s warm-weather camp.
The
Brazilian was a surprise absentee from the Gunners’ squad for their FA Cup
showdown against Liverpool at the weekend, with the side losing 2-0 in his
absence.
Manager
Mikel Arteta sparked concern for the striker after the defeat, revealing that
he had required a scan after feeling discomfort in the same knee that has
caused him so many issues over the past year.
‘He
had some pain in his knee, so we have done a scan and it has showed something,’
Arteta explained.
Hopefully
it is not something big but it is the same knee that he had so we cannot take
any risk.’
Fortunately
for Arsenal, the injury was only minor and Jesus has already returned to
training with the rest of the squad.
The
north Londoners are currently taking advantage of the Premier League’s
staggered winter break by spending a week in Dubai for warm-weather training.
Jesus
was seen taking a full part in the session, joining in with small-sided games
and doing ball work.
The
training camp will last until next Tuesday, giving the players time to
intensify their training in the sunnier climate, and the trip to Dubai is
something they have done regularly over the past few years.
Arsenal
will return to action on Saturday 20 January with a home fixture against
Crystal Palace – a match Jesus should be available for – before then travelling
to Nottingham Forest 10 days later.
The
games come thick and fast after that, with Liverpool visiting the Emirates once
again, this time in the Premier League, at the start of February before trips
to West Ham and Burnley as well as the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League
last-16 tie against Porto.
Arteta
will be hoping Jesus can re-find his scoring touch when Arsenal return from
Dubai and resume their campaign, with the former Manchester City forward having
netted just three times in 15 Premier League outings this season.
Arsenal’s
lack of goals has prompted a host of links with various strikers, from
Brentford’s Ivan Toney to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, though in-form Getafe
frontman Borja Mayoral may be the most affordable target.
Source:
Metro
