Mikel Arteta admitted Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to an Arsenal return but this weekend's clash with Bournemouth may be a test too soon.
Former Manchester City striker Jesus has been sidelined since the World Cup after sustaining an injury in Qatar that required knee surgery.
The Brazilian has since returned to light training as the Gunners prepare for the visit of Gary O'Neil's men. But Arteta suggested his £45million summer acquisition, who has netted five times this season, will not be ready in time.
"He's not far now," said Arteta. "I don't want to give a timeline but he's doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team.
"He's not very close but he's not far at all. He's feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving.
"We need to see when he's back what level he is, how we're going to fit him in and how we're going to load him with minutes and in which games.
"Like everybody else, he'll have to earn his place but we know what Gaby can give to the team. I think [his rehab] been pretty straightforward.
"At the beginning, we were really concerned with the possible extent of the injury because we were talking about a few options there.
"Thankfully it wasn't that bad, but it was a long-term injury, it required surgery and it's not [pleasant], especially the first few weeks.
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"But knowing Gaby, he's been through that before. His mentality is incredible and the [physio] team has done a really good job with him to put him in the position he's in today."
Arsenal have relied on academy graduate Eddie Nketiah in Jesus' absence, but the 23-year-old has seen his goals dry up in recent weeks.
Nketiah is also nursing an ankle injury and is in a race to be fit for the clash with the Cherries.
"We are assessing [Eddie] and it's a bit uncertain what's going to happen with him, to be honest," Arteta added. "Let's see and keep the options open. He's very positive about it, so hopefully, he will be fine."
Arteta was forced to remove Joringho at half-time in Arsenal's dominant 4-0 win over Everton last time out, with the former Chelsea midfielder feeling unwell at the break.
But the Gunners boss has since confirmed the midfielder is back to full fitness and could feature against Bournemouth.
"Jorgi's fine," said Arteta. "He had an illness and he was suffering but to be fair, he put in a great effort and shift in the first half. We decided to take him off but he's fit now."
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Trossard
