Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is reportedly prepared to feature for the first time following a hamstring injury as Brazil take on Argentina in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.
The 26-year-old has endured an injury-riddled time since making the switch from Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2022, allowing him to link up with former Citizens coach Mikel Arteta.
Jesus spent a large chunk of the 2022-23 term on the sidelines due to various injury issues, leaving Eddie Nketiah to fill the Brazilian's shoes in Arsenal's central-striking role at times.
Since securing a move from the Etihad Stadium in July 2022, the forward has appeared 44 times in all competitions for the North Londoners, finding the net on 15 occasions.
According to the Evening Standard, Brazil and Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in terms of Jesus's fitness ahead of crucial matches for both teams.
The report claims that the former Palmeiras youngster has returned to full training with the Selecao ahead of their showdown against South American rivals Argentina on Tuesday night in Rio de Janeiro.
Jesus was included in Brazil's squad for the November internationals from the start but did not feature in their 2-1 loss in Colombia last week as he continued his recovery from injury.
The Gunners striker was not even in attendance in Barranquilla as Liverpool's Luis Diaz's bagged a brace to secure victory for the hosts, with Jesus staying behind in Brazil to focus on his rehabilitation.
News of Jesus's imminent return is especially welcomed considering that fellow forward Vinicius Junior is expected to be sidelined for around two months after he sustained a hamstring strain in the defeat to Nestor Lorenzo's Colombia.
Although Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro or Palmeiras starlet Endrick could join Real Madrid's Rodrygo in attack, it is understood that Arsenal's marksman has a chance of starting his first match in over a month.
Jesus last featured for the Gunners during their 2-1 victory at La Liga outfit Sevilla in the Champions League, a game in which the striker and compatriot Gabriel Martinelli got onto the scoresheet to tighten their side's grip on top spot in Group B.
Fernando Diniz's charges currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings after a shaky start which has seen them earn only two wins from their opening five matches.
Everyone of an Arsenal persuasion will be hoping that Jesus can get through any involvement with his national side unscathed ahead of a busy festive period back in England.
The Gunners travel across the capital to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening, with maximum points potentially enough to see Arteta's men leapfrog Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League table. body check tags ::
