Gabriel Jesus returns to Arsenal training ahead of Fulham clash

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Gabriel Jesus returns to Arsenal training ahead of Fulham clash

Gabriel Jesus is back in Arsenal training as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury.

The Brazil international featured in four pre-season games before being forced to undergo surgery on a knee issue which manager Mikel Arteta confirmed was related to the injury he suffered during the World Cup.

Jesus, who has 11 goals and eight assists in 33 games for Arsenal, missed 12 Premier League games last season as a result of his injury and has not featured yet this year.

However, he is now back in training as he inches closer to another comeback.

Arsenal will host Fulham on Saturday and it is highly unlikely that Jesus will play any role in that game, with Arteta understandably hesitant to rush the 26-year-old back into action after aggravating such a serious injury.

Instead, the starting striker spot will likely go to Eddie Nketiah, who scored on the opening day of the season and has covered for Jesus throughout his injury absences.

Another striker, Folarin Balogun, remains unavailable for selection with what has been described as a minor injury and it is uncertain whether the United States international will ever play for Arsenal again as clubs across Europe compete for his signature.

Premier League rivals Chelsea are keen on Balogun but have baulked at Arsenal's asking price of £50m.

Such an asking price has also proven problematic for fellow suitors Inter and Monaco, the latter of whom recently saw a £30m bid rejected by the Gunners.