Gabriel Jesus expects to return to action for Arsenal by the start of March, telling former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov he is "four or five weeks" away from a full recovery.
The striker, 25, suffered a knee injury while representing Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar and required surgery in early December. Jesus has been forced to watch on from the sidelines as Arsenal have continued their dominant Premier League form, most recently defeating Manchester United 3-2 on Sunday evening.
The former Manchester City forward was in a box at Emirates Stadium as Eddie Nketiah scored a 90th-minute winner to maintain the Gunners' five-point lead at the top of the table. Nurmagomedov, one of the greatest-ever mixed martial artists, was in the adjacent box and the pair said hello to one another at half-time, when the score was 1-1.
Footage shared on social media captured the meeting and Jesus can be seen telling the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion: "Maybe four or five weeks more I come back." The Brazil international was expected to be out until March with his knee injury, so his latest update fits the timescale given to him by Arsenal medics.
His knee issue was seen as such a blow to Mikel Arteta's side that it could have derailed their bid for a first Premier League title in 19 years. Jesus racked up five top-flight goals and five assists in the first half of the season, while his ability to link the play was viewed as just as important as his cutting edge.
However, Arsenal have coped brilliantly in his absence thanks to the form of Nketiah, his replacement up front. The Englishman, 23, has hit four goals in his last five Premier League games, including an all-important double to overcome the Red Devils at the weekend.
Should Eddie Nketiah keep his place in the Arsenal starting XI once Gabriel Jesus returns to fitness? Have your say in the comments!
Nketiah equalised for the Gunners with a booming header after a fine Marcus Rashford strike gave United the lead at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka put the hosts ahead shortly after half-time but Lisandro Martinez's looping header pegged the league-leaders back just before the hour mark.
The points seemed destined to be shared in north London only for Nketiah to delicately guide Martin Odegaard's shot beyond David de Gea and send the Arsenal faithful into frenzy. The Gunners academy graduate has been so impressive in front of goal that Jesus may not be immediately recalled by manager Arteta.
The Spaniard also has another option in attack after completing a £27million deal to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton on Friday. The Belgian wideman, 28, came off the bench against United to make his Arsenal debut and looked bright throughout his second-half cameo.
