Arsenal will look to continue their impressive turnaround of form on Saturday when they welcome relegation-threatened Bournemouth to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have won their last three games to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Prior to the victory over Aston Villa two weeks ago, Mikel Arteta's side went four games without a win to temporarily lose their place at the top.
The fact that the north Londoners remain involved in a title fight with Manchester City without their preferred striker is a testament to the work done at London Colney. Gabriel Jesus has been out of action since the World Cup after scoring five goals and assisting a further six in 14 league games.
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football.london understands that the Gunners are hopeful of having the Brazilian back before the international break at the end of the month. "He's not far now," Arteta said in his pre-Bournemouth press conference.
"I don’t want to give a timeline, but he’s doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team still. He’s not very close, but he’s not very far. He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are feeling confident with how he’s evolving. We are in a good place with him, I think."
Arteta continued: "It’s been pretty straightforward. At the beginning we were pretty concerned about the possible extent of the injury because there were a few options there and thankfully it wasn’t that bad.
"But it was a long-term injury, required surgery and it was not pleasing, especially the first few weeks. Knowing Gabi, he has been through that before, his mentality is just incredible and the team has done a really good job with him to put him in the position he’s in today."
In his place, Eddie Nketiah has filled in brilliantly. The Hale End graduate has now scored nearly more than double Jesus' tally, but has not scored in the previous six league games.
The 23-year-old started on the bench in the wins over Leicester and Everton, with Leandro Trossard starting in his place. He did grab an assist in the 4-0 win in midweek but suffered a slight injury concern, with Arteta confirming the medical staff are assessing him.
"We are assessing him. It’s a bit uncertain what will happen with him to be honest in the training sessions. Let’s see, let’s keep the options open. He’s very positive about it and hopefully he’ll be fine," Arteta explained.
Asked whether there was a risk Nketiah could be a long-term absentee, Arteta replied: "Hopefully not."
In midweek, while Thomas Partey got further minutes on the pitch, Arsenal suffered another midfield concern with Jorginho coming off at half-time. Arteta explained after the win over Everton that he was feeling unwell before confirming he is "fine" for this weekend's game.
With all that being said, only Mohamed Elneny and Jesus remain as Arsenal's two long-term absences.
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