Mikel Arteta reveals plan for Gabriel Jesus comeback as Arsenal eye friendly | OneFootball

Brazilian striker could step up fitness in behind-the-scenes game ahead of long-awaited first-team return

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus may play in a behind-closed-doors friendly as he steps up his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

Jesus ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in an FA Cup tie against Manchester United back in January and underwent surgery.

The Brazilian international has not played since, but is now back in full training and Mikel Arteta has explained how Arsenal will look to gradually increase his workload.

“[He is doing] very good,” Arteta said of Jesus ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham. “He is doing everything with the team at the moment, for the last almost two weeks.

“We are going to give him some exposure internally with some games, so he gets that fitness. But he looks really good in training and he is going to be a big addition to the team.”

Jesus faces a fight for regular minutes when he returns after Arsenal added striker Viktor Gyokeres to their ranks in the summer.

However, the 28-year-old, whose current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, has stressed his desire to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates Stadium despite interest from former club Palmeiras.

“Every day, the [Arsenal] coach and the board say they’re eager for my return,” Jesus recently told ESPN Brasil.

“I don’t see myself outside the club’s plans. I have a contract until 2027, and if it’s not renewed by then, I’ll be at the club at least until 2027.

“Palmeiras’ interest will always be there, both from them and from me.

“But there’s been nothing formal. It’s the natural interest of a kid who came through the Palmeiras youth system, went to Europe, and obviously wants to return one day. Everyone at the club knows that.

“I’m a player, and it’s a little harder to say, but when I feel like returning to Brazil, which isn’t the case right now, my desire is and always will be Palmeiras.”