Arsenal handed major Gabriel Jesus injury boost as key fixture run looms

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost after Gabriel Jesus returned to training during their trip to Dubai.

Jesus missed Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat by Liverpool after the Brazilian striker sustained what the club described as a “minor knee issue”.

Arsenal hoped that the injury was not serious but it was unclear how long Jesus would be out.

Jesus missed the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery last term.

He also missed several weeks in October and November with a hamstring injury, and another spell on the sidelines would have been a major blow for Mikel Arteta.

But Jesus has been training with the Arsenal squad during their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Jesus was pictured with a ball at his feet and also challenging for an aerial duel with youngster Lino Sousa in a small-sided game.

Arsenal are next in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday and having Jesus back would be a huge boost for the Gunners, whose title challenge has faltered in recent weeks.

Arteta has said it is not “realistic” for Arsenal to sign a striker this month, so the fitness of Jesus will be crucial as they bid to get their season back on track after three straight defeats.

Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest at the end of the month before an important run of games in February, when they play Liverpool, West Ham, Burnley and Newcastle, and have the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Porto.