Mikel Arteta shares the three-word message Gabriel Jesus gave him in Arsenal training yesterday

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Mikel Arteta has admitted knowing Gabriel Jesus was ready to play for Arsenal again just from a look in his eye.

Arteta has spoken to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean following the 3-0 hammering of Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

This was a dream afternoon for Arsenal, who were 3-0 up by the break having run riot in the first half.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard were all on the scoresheet in a superb performance.

The day got even better as Arsenal were able to bring Gabriel Jesus on from the bench in the second half.

Jesus hasn’t played for Arsenal since November and finally made his return from injury at Craven Cottage.

Arteta has now indicated that he wasn’t sure whether today was the right game for Jesus to make his comeback.

However, Arteta spotted a look in Jesus’ eye and knew this was the right moment.

Jesus also offered a three-word message, telling Arteta ‘I am ready’ as he finally played for the first time in four months.

“A big boost. It was the first step today,” said Arteta. “We didn’t know whether it was the right game but yesterday I looked him in his eyes and he said: ‘I am ready’. Now he needs to earn his place, like any other player,” he added.

Gabriel Jesus return is huge for Arsenal

Jesus almost made an instant impact, firing straight at Bernd Leno from Fabio Vieira’s pass.

The Brazilian was enduring goalscoring problems before his injury and will certainly need to find some sharpness in the coming weeks.

Arteta isn’t going to rush Jesus back into action – especially with Leandro Trossard shining.

The Belgian racked up three assists as Arsenal beat Fulham 3-0, excelling as a false nine whilst interchanging with Gabriel Martinelli.

That means Jesus isn’t needed in the starting lineup immediately but what an option he provides off the bench until he’s ready to go from the start.

Some felt that Arsenal would fall apart after the injury but Jesus was welcomed back today with Arsenal still five points clear.

This return picks everybody up in terms of morale whilst the additional quality is clear for all to see as Jesus capped off a perfect day for Arsenal.