Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is hoping to be back available before the next international break.

The Brazilian international has not played since Christmas after undergoing a knee operation but there is now optimism that he is closing in on a return to first-team action.

Jesus won’t be in contention for the league matches against Everton, Bournemouth and Fulham, and he is unlikely to be fit to play in either leg of the Europa League knockout tie versus Sporting Lisbon, but there is a chance he could be back for the Crystal Palace fixture on March 19th.

Emile Smith Rowe played 45 minutes for the Under 21s against Chelsea on Monday evening as he builds up his fitness following a thigh injury. Despite being on the bench for the last two games against Aston Villa and Leicester, the attacking midfielder hasn’t played a competitive game since a cameo appearance in the North London derby in January.

Mohamed Elneny has undergone knee surgery and the Egyptian international is not expected to return to fitness before the end of the season.