Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told the Gunners media team he plans to remain vigilant over Gabriel Jesus’ fitness.
The Gunners boss was speaking at his press conference ahead of Friday’s Premier League meeting with Southampton.
Jesus spent several months on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury while on World Cup duty with Brazil.
The Arsenal star was forced to undergo knee surgery following a tear in his meniscus he suffered in Qatar.
Jesus returned to action in March, coming on as a substitute in the Premier League win over Fulham.
Arteta has managed the 26-year-old’s return carefully. Indeed, he’s yet to play a full 90 minutes for Arsenal in 2023.
Speaking ahead of the Saints clash, the Arsenal boss suggested that Jesus is not yet ready to complete a full game.
On whether the “unbelievable” forward is ready to play 90 minutes, Arteta said: “We’ll see. We’ve been really careful.
“There have been some issues within that period when he was doing the final stages of the rehab and we have to be really attentive.
“We have players that can change the game, that are fully fit, that deserve to play as well and we have to be mindful of that.”
Our view
While it’s great to see Jesus back in action and starting games, Arteta’s comments suggest there’s still some way to go before he’s back to 100 percent.
At the same time, the Gunners have numerous great options in attack, including at centre-forward.
This has helped massively this season, and as such, the North Londoners remain in pole position for the title.
With Arsenal in action on Friday night, they now have the opportunity to put pressure on Manchester City.
Over the past few games, the Citizens have played before the Gunners.
Southampton are fighting for their Premier League lives and will no doubt give Arsenal a difficult game.
With Manchester City hosting the Gunners next week, the Gunners will be eager to make their Friday kickoff count.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
