Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has had a difficult campaign after continuing to struggle with injury problems dating back to the World Cup last year.
The Brazilian has appeared in just 46% of Arsenal’s minutes this season, and is still nursing a knee injury which may require a third surgery at the end of the season.
There are worries among some fans that Jesus’ problems could affect him in the long-term, and make the attacker lose his pace. The 26-year-old has been playing on the wings in recent weeks, and losing his speed would be damaging for his prospects out wide.
However, Mikel Arteta has now issued a positive update on Jesus’ long-term fitness worries, claiming that there were no concerns that the former Manchester City star would be back to his best.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Gabriel Jesus from his height to girlfriend
Mikel Arteta gives positive update on Gabriel Jesus injury concerns
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa, Arteta revealed that he was not worried about Jesus returning to his best fitness.
“No I don’t think there could be (long-term ramifications over his fitness). I don’t think there is any relation,” he stated.
“When you see him train, the way he trained today, again there is nothing there. Injuries are part of football. He had a few and you look how many games he has already played at his age, and the level of game he’s played. It is an unbelievable career he is having, so that’s not a concern.”
Gabriel Jesus needs a run of games for Arsenal to prove his fitness
When Gabriel Jesus first arrived at Arsenal, he started every Premier League game before his injury at the World Cup, and his performance levels were outstanding.
He has been in and out of the team in recent months since returning, and has not been able to put together a consistent run of starts.
Jesus performed superbly off the bench against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, setting up Leandro Trossard’s equaliser, and given his current form, he should now stay in the starting XI and continue to build up his fitness and find his goalscoring touch again.
If the Brazilian can stay fit for the rest of the season, he will be a huge asset for Arteta in the title race and the Champions League in particular, given his experience in the competition.