“Keep an eye on” – Charles Watts drops exciting potential hint on Jesus’ Arsenal return

Journalist Charles Watts has suggested that Arsenal may play Gabriel Jesus in a few Under-21 games to rebuild his fitness as he nears a return from injury.

What’s the latest on Jesus and his Arsenal injury?

The striker has not been able to play for the Gunners in the new year yet after suffering an injury with Brazil at the winter World Cup which left him needing surgery.

However, it seems he is finally getting closer to making his much-anticipated return for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta delivering a positive update recently.

Indeed, the Spaniard told the press: “He’s progressing well. Doing more and more on the field, the knee is not reacting – so it’s positive. We want him back quickly but respect the timeline from the doctors.”

However, while talking about this on YouTube, Watts explained that his Premier League return may come after getting some minutes in the academy to first.

He said: “It will be interesting to see if Arsenal decide to give him at least one Under-21s game – which I suggest they probably will – rather than just throwing him straight back into the first-team picture.

“I think you might look to give him maybe 60 minutes or so, or 45 minutes with the Under-21s, just to get him out playing properly in a competitive-style match again, and then bring him into the first team.

“So definitely want to keep an eye on the next couple of Under 21’s starting XIs, I would say, but really good news on Gabriel Jesus.”

What could Jesus’ injury return mean for Arsenal?

After arriving from Manchester City for around £45m last summer, expectations will have been high for Jesus. Still, no one would have expected him to lead the Gunners on a title charge.

Nevertheless, he did just that, scoring five while also setting up a further six in his first 14 league games before picking up the knee injury.

What’s more, in that time, Arsenal lost just once while also drawing another game and winning the other 12. And while the club have managed to maintain their title push without Jesus, it will be a huge boost to the title hopes if he can return soon.

With that in mind, it may be worth looking out for his name on the U21 teamsheets over the coming weeks. The academy team is set to take on Chelsea U21s away from home in their next game (this Monday) – perhaps the Brazilian will play some part in that as he steps up his recovery heading into March.