Arteta admits ‘bad injury’ to Arsenal star and reveals whether Jesus will start against

Gabriel Jesus is unlikely to start against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday as Eddie Nektiah is still “weeks” away from his return.
The Brazil international made his long-awaited return from the bench on Sunday as Arsenal beat Fulham 3-0, his first cap since November.

The striker underwent knee surgery after picking up an injury while representing his country at the World Cup, but will be back in time to help the Gunners in their Premier League title bid, with that victory in west London bringing their lead from five points to the top. recovered.

Arsenal’s focus now turns to the Europa League, with Sporting hosting on Thursday night following a 2-2 draw in Lisbon last week in the round of 16.

Although Arteta is pleased with Jesus’ progress, he will continue to carefully manage his minutes over the next few weeks. “It was good to see him again, you feel the happiness of everyone around him, from the fans, to the players, to the staff,” Arteta said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“We missed him and now he’s back”.

Jesus returned from injury

Asked if Jesus could start on Thursday, Arteta added: “No, we have to manage his minutes, we have to manage his involvement with the team, with the team.

“But he feels good and every day he trains and every day he says his feelings are getting better and better, so he’s really positive.”

Nketiah, meanwhile, has missed Arsenal’s last three games with an ankle injury. Arteta offered an update on the striker, revealing that he is still wearing a protective boot, ruling out a return before the international break.

“He’s getting better,” Arteta said. “He’s still in the boot, there are still a few weeks left and we have to be patient because it was a bad injury and he has a challenge ahead of him.
“But thank goodness it could have been worse, so it’s not in a bad situation.”

Do you feel Jesus will give a good performance when tried out? Leave your comments…