Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Gabriel Jesus is a doubt for Sunday’s game against Liverpool.
The Brazilian international picked up a knock to his knee in the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace and played through the pain barrier to start against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. Asked about the forward’s fitness after the match at the City Ground, Arteta said:
“I don’t know [if he’ll be fit]. He got hit big-time in the last game. His knee reacted and it’s the knee he had [surgery on] before. He was super positive, he’s feeling good and he was so sharp in training. I’m not surprised with the way he played tonight.”
Jesus will likely be put through fitness tests before being given the nod to start for the Gunners this weekend.
Expected Return Date – Sunday 4th February v Liverpool
Thomas Partey is back out on the training pitch, having fully recovered from the surgery he underwent on his thigh all the way back in October. However, Arteta said before the Forest game that the Ghanaian international was short of match fitness.
Partey was not included in the squad for the victory earlier this week and he is also a doubt to face the Reds. When asked if he could be back for Sunday, Arteta replied:
“We will see. We will see how things evolve and if that’s too short or if he’s okay.”
Expected Return Date – Sunday 11th February v West Ham
Fabio Vieira is slightly further behind Partey in his recovery from groin surgery. The Portuguese midfielder underwent his procedure in November and it was estimated that he would be back in contention after the winter break.
After taking part in light training in Dubai, there was optimism that Vieira was nearing his comeback, but it looks as though fans will have to wait until, at least, mid-February to see him play again.
Expected Return Date – Saturday 17th February v Burnley
Jurrien Timber is making good progress in his recovery from an ACL injury he sustained back in August. There is hope that he will return to training at some point next month.
It may be a while, though, before the Netherlands international is ready to play for the first team considering the seriousness of the injury.
