Arsenal have been boosted by a number of injury returns in recent weeks – with Gabriel Jesus among their players to be back in the mix for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has been handed another injury boost. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal have been boosted by the return of several key players from injury, providing manager Mikel Arteta with more options for the club’s upcoming fixtures. After enduring a challenging few months – with up to eight players side-lined due to injuries at various points in the season – the Gunners are now seeing their squad bolstered.
Despite still missing some crucial players, including William Saliba, many have made successful comebacks. Gabriel Martinelli was back in action immediately, featuring in Arsenal’s draw against Chelsea and starting on the left flank.
Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, and Noni Madueke also made appearances off their substitutes bench – adding much-needed depth to the squad. With a packed fixture list that includes Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup matches, these returns are a significant boost.
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But the good news doesn’t stop there for Arsenal’s fans, either. Gabriel Jesus also made his long-awaited return to the squad this weekend.
The Brazil forward has been out of action for more than 300 days – due to an ACL injury he sustained last January. However, after recently returning to training and participating in a behind-closed-doors friendly, Jesus is gradually regaining his match fitness.
Despite not making it on to the pitch, the 28-year-old’s availability marks another positive step towards his return to play. He took to social media, shortly after final whistle, to deliver a three-word message expressing his feelings about his comeback.
Gabriel Jesus was in the Arsenal squad for their Premier League draw against Chelsea.(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
On his Instagram story, fit-again Jesus said: “God is great,” in response to an Arsenal post welcoming him back to the matchday squad. This isn’t the first time the forward has had to navigate this tough journey back from a knee injury, having faced several setbacks previously.
His latest comeback sees him in a rather position in the pecking order, but with altered responsibilities. Ahead of him is Viktor Gyokeres, who is set to reclaim the striker role after returning from his own injury over the weekend.
The Sweden international has been the preferred choice this campaign, providing a physical presence up top that few others can match. The impending return of Kai Havertz adds another dimension, introducing a type of forward who prefers to drop deep and link up play.
Viktor Gyokeres has scored four Premier League goals for Arsenal.(Image: Getty Images)
Jesus differs in that he, in the main, wants the ball at his feet, challenging the opposition and putting defenders on the back foot. While he impressed upon his arrival by doing just that, changes in the squad mean he may be utilised more as a late-game option or in cup competitions.
“Very good,” Arteta said when asked how Jesus was looking ahead of the Chelsea match. “He’s doing everything with the team at the moment for the last almost two weeks.
“We’re going to give him some exposure as well internally with some games, so he gets that fitness. But he looks really good in training, and he’s going to be a big addition to the team.”
Whether he can make a significant impact before the season ends remains uncertain, but his return could prove crucial in helping Arsenal secure points when it matters most.
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