Forgotten Arsenal star returns to training after 10 months out with serious knee injury

Gabriel Jesus has returned to Arsenal first-team training 10 months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The Brazillian forward underwent rounds of surgery and a rigorous rehabilitation programme after being stretchered off against Manchester United in January.

The injury came at a cruel time for Jesus, who was in a rich vein of form having scored six goals in seven games for The Gunners.

It also forced Mikel Arteta's hand in the transfer market, with the Spaniard moving to bring in Victor Gyokeres this summer to bolster his threadbare frontline.

But with the Swede having been forced off at half-time during Arsenal's victory last week over Burnley, Jesus's return to the grass may prove timely for Arteta in his quest for the Premier League title.

Footage posted from the club's official channels shows the 28-year-old with a smile on his face as he jogs onto the grass at London Colney, under the watchful eye of his manager.

Though he has been out of action since that FA Cup third round tie at the start of the year, Jesus looked sharp during rondo and shooting drills.

It has come as a delight to fans, one of whom quipped: 'Jesus is back for Christmas.'

Addressing the Arsenal faithful, the Brazilian said: 'Hello, Gooners. Yeah, it's me here. Second day out with the boys. 

'So happy and I cannot wait to see you at the Emirates. Take care.'

Jesus's training with the first-team comes after he was spotted working working alone - as well as a handful of staff - at London Colney just a matter of weeks ago.

Fans had become excitable about seeing the Brazilian, who was brought to north London from Manchester City in a deal worth around £45million in 2022, back in action.

But Jesus last month played down expectations of a quick return, saying: 'My knee is responding well. I'm looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do.

'It's been too long. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.

'So now I'm at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I'm doing great work outside on the pitches, but it's tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line. 

'When you can see the end it's important you don't push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.'

Jesus added that the devastating injury he suffered earlier this year came at a time when he was enjoying life away from the pitch.

'This one is the biggest injury I've had in my life,' he said. 'And it came when I was living my best moment outside the pitch.'

He added: 'By that I mean I was preparing well, feeling chilled, eating good, sleeping well, recovering well and then it happens. So that's why I say that we couldn't expect it.'

Though it is unclear how close Jesus is to a full recovery, the injury to Gyokeres does open the possibility that he may make the bench for Arsenal's clash this weekend against Sunderland.

Arteta admitted that the Swedish striker 'felt something muscular' and had taken him off as a precaution last week.

The Spanish boss worked with Jesus at Manchester City when he was assistant to Pep Guardiola, and brought him to the Arsenal where he has since scored 26 goals and added 20 assists in 96 games.