Arsenal drop Gabriel Jesus injury hint as Champions League decision confirmed

Arsenal have dropped a hint over the fitness of Gabriel Jesus as the striker continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The Brazilian has been out of action since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United back in January. He has regularly shared updates of his recovery on social media as he steps up his rehabilitation.

In the latest update last month, he shared a video of him back in individual training back on the grass. The caption read: “It’s been seven months of pain, uncertainty, and anxiety. Today, I finally feel light - like a child playing football again. GOD IS GREAT.”

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While the striker is making good progress in his recovery, it may still be a while until he is fit enough to be available for selection to Mikel Arteta. A decision over Arsenal’s Champions League squad shows that the club are not expecting him back imminently.

Arsenal have named a 23-man squad for the group phase of the Champions League. Clubs had until September 2nd to submit their squad to UEFA.

The injured Jesus was not included in the squad, hinting that Arsenal don’t expect him to be available for the majority of the group games.

Arsenal's final group game of the competition takes place at the Emirates Stadium on January 28th when they take on Kairat (8pm kick-off). If Arsenal make it to the knockout stages and Jesus is back available, then he can be added to the updated squad then.

Despite injury concerns, Kai Havertz has been included in the squad for the group phase. The forward has undergone a successful minor surgical procedure, but how long he will be out for is currently unclear.