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Arsenal Eye Timely Boost with Jesus and Havertz Nearing First Team Returns

Arsenal players celebrate after scoring a gola

Key Takeaways:

  • Gabriel Jesus targets a December return to full training following his recovery from an ACL knee injury sustained in January
  • Kai Havertz continues his rehabilitation after knee surgery, with expectations to rejoin Arsenal’s starting line-up within a month
  • Club captain Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke remain unavailable and are expected to return only after the upcoming international break

Injury Updates and Timelines

Arsenal have been handed a welcomed double boost as both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz make significant progress on their journeys back to fitness. Jesus, who has been out of action since January after suffering an ACL knee injury, is aiming to return to full training – and potentially feature for the first team – by December. This comes as the Gunners continue their push for the Premier League title this season.

Since joining Arsenal from Manchester City for £45m in the summer of 2022, Jesus has demonstrated impressive commitment during his rehabilitation, as noted by Arsenal’s medical staff. While he has begun on-field sessions, the 28-year-old forward has not yet fully rejoined main squad training. His sights remain firmly set on delivering a strong impact for the Gunners, particularly during the crucial second half of the current campaign.

Player Recovery Progress

Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s German attacker, is also well on the way to recovery after undergoing knee surgery. The injury was picked up during the opening weekend of the season against Manchester United. While Havertz is yet to join the first team in training, the expectation is that he will return to full fitness within the next few weeks and could feature in the starting XI in less than a month.

Previously sidelined at the close of last season with a hamstring issue sustained during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai, Havertz only managed two substitute appearances in May. Nonetheless, the medical team has highlighted his resolute approach towards regaining fitness, a determination he has continued to show during this period of rehabilitation.

Squad Depth: Ongoing Absentees

In addition to Jesus and Havertz, captain Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke are still on the injury list. Both are not expected to be available until after the forthcoming international break, presenting Mikel Arteta with ongoing selection challenges as Arsenal navigate the early part of the campaign.

PlayerInjuryLast AppearanceEstimated Return
Gabriel JesusACL knee injuryJanuaryDecember (full training/first team)
Kai HavertzKnee injury (surgery)Opening weekend of seasonWithin a month (starting line-up)
Martin OdegaardUnspecifiedPost-international break
Noni MaduekeUnspecifiedPost-international break

Outlook for the Season Ahead

With both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz edging closer to full fitness, Arsenal anticipate bolstering their attacking options in the coming weeks. The prospect of their return, alongside the awaited recoveries of Odegaard and Madueke, could be instrumental as the Gunners contend with a congested fixture schedule and continued competition domestically and in Europe.


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