GABRIEL JESUS’ camp are targeting an Arsenal return to fitness for the beginning of December.
The Brazilian has endured an injury-ravaged start to the campaign, missing the first three Premier League games with a knee issue.
And after the brief return, the 26-year-old then hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League win away at Sevilla last Tuesday with a hamstring injury.
Boss Mikel Arteta has previously refused to put a timeline on Jesus’ recovery, admitting he was “totally wrong” last time with the player back sooner than expected.
However, SunSport understands that Jesus’ representatives are eyeing a few more weeks on the sidelines before a full return next month after the November international break.
The former Manchester City star is currently taking part in rehab work away from the pitch at London Colney.
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There is a sense that great care needs to be taken with Jesus heading into a busy festive period, and no risks will be taken with Arsenal desperate to have him fit and firing for another lengthy title charge.
Should Jesus hit his target of a December return, Arsenal and Arteta will be without their first-choice striker for the next six games in all competitions.
Tonight, they face West Ham in the Carabao Cup, followed by back-to-back home ties in the Champions League group stage against Sevilla and RC Lens.
In the Prem, Jesus would also miss away days at Newcastle and Brentford, as well as welcoming Vincent Kompany’s Burnley to the Emirates.
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If all goes to plan, he could return to the side at home to Wolves on December 2, with a further seven games taking place that month, including a trip to Liverpool on December 23.
In the meantime, Eddie Nketiah will take Jesus’ place leading the attacking line, fresh from scoring his first Prem hat-trick during Arsenal’s 5-0 romp of Sheffield United last weekend.
Arteta will hope Jesus is the only injury concern over the next few months, with midfielder Thomas Partey also facing several weeks out with a muscle issue.
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