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Mikel Arteta gives surprise injury update on key Arsenal player

Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
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The Gunners could be handed a welcome boost when they take on Fulham in a London derby this weekend.

Gabriel Jesus is back and may take to the pitch in Saturday’s London derby against Fulham.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is thrilled to have his No.9 back. There were fears Jesus could face an extended absence following a minor operation last month. Last season, he missed three months of action after knee surgery.

But the Brazilian has been working hard on his fitness and returned to first-team training on Thursday.

“Yes, I am really happy,” Arteta said of Jesus’ recovery during a press conference on Friday.

“It was a big blow after pre-season. He is looking really sharp and ready to go.”

When asked if Jesus could start against Fulham this weekend, Arteta replied: “Yes, he is back. He is ready to go. [From the start] We’ll see.”

Jesus was absent in both of Arsenal’s first two Premier League games this season, as well as their Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

The 26-year-old, who arrived from City last summer for €52.2 million, hopes to build on a promising debut campaign.

He may have missed a huge chunk of it through a knee injury, but he still put up a respectable 11 goals and eight assists in 33 games.

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