Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Gabriel Jesus’ fitness ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Premier League match against Manchester City.
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Jesus, 25, has been out of action for several months after suffering a serious knee injury playing for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.
After undergoing surgery, Jesus has progressed well in his recovery and recently resumed light training with Arsenal.
While Jesus is not yet ready for a return to first-team action, Arteta was optimistic about his rehabilitation.
When asked how the Brazilian striker was progressing, Arteta said: “Really good.
“He’s been out on the pitch. He’s been doing quite a lot of work with the ball already.”
Arsenal will be without Jesus when his former club City travel to the Emirates on Wednesday in a huge match in the Premier League title race.
League leaders Arsenal are now just three points ahead of City at the top of the table and Pep Guardiola’s side will overtake their rivals on goal difference if they win in north London.
Arsenal have not won any of their last three matches in all competitions, a run which includes a 1-0 defeat to City in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Gunners drew 1-1 with Brentford last time out in the Premier League, with a major VAR error costing Arteta’s side.
VAR official Lee Mason allowed Ivan Toney’s equaliser for Brentford to stand after he forgot to draw the necessary offside lines as part of his checks.
Speaking about Mason’s mistake, Arteta said: “We ended the game with a huge anger because that wasn’t a human error, that was a big not understanding your job and that’s not acceptable.
“That costs Arsenal two points. We appreciate the apology and the explanation at the same time.
“That’s it, we have to move on. That has made the players, staff and our fans stronger to pass this hurdle that they put on us.”
Premier League referees chief Howard Webb contacted both Arsenal and Brighton, who were also on the wrong end of an incorrect VAR call at the weekend, to apologise for the errors.
When Arteta was asked whether he was satisfied with the apology, he added: “I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back which is not going to be the case.”
source: www.sportbible.com
