Arsenal fans are convinced that Gabriel Jesus is close to making a comeback to first team action after spotting a 'hint' in his latest social media post.
Saturday could not have gone much better for Gunners fans after watching Reiss Nelson net a 97th minute winner against Bournemouth, to seal a thrilling 3-2 win and keep their Premier League title hopes alive.
And things got better when Jesus – who had joined in with some of the wild celebrations – was spotted on the pitch after the game. He's been out for more than three months with a knee injury.
The Brazilian posted 'best part of my day' along with some pictures of him on the Emirates Stadium turf playing with his young daughter.
And Arsenal fans believe the fact Jesus was on the pitch, putting weight on his previously problematic knee and wearing football boots, must mean he's close to a return.
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One replied to his tweet by saying: "You’re already squatting? You’re ready for the next match."
Another added: "We know you coming back this weekend King."
The Gunners may indeed get their wish sooner rather than later, amid reports that the former Manchester City striker will travel with Mikel Arteta's squad to Portugal this week for their Europa League clash with Sporting.
"He’s not far now," Arteta said when asked about Jesus' recovery ahead of the Bournemouth game.
"I don’t want to give a timeline, but he’s doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team still.
"He’s not very close, but he’s not very far. He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are feeling confident with how he’s evolving. We are in a good place with him, I think."
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher gave Arsenal credit for the way they've coped without Jesus this season, maintaining their title charge despite the Brazilian – a key cog up front for Arteta – being missing since November.
Eddie Nketiah has stepped into the breach with seven goals in that time, while January signing Leandro Trossard has made a major impact since arriving from Brighton.
Speaking on Monday Night Football last night, Carragher said: "When Jesus got injured Arsenal were five points clear. How long has he been injured for now, three months? They're still five points clear.
"You've got to give them massive credit for that because there were a lot of questions asked. He's about to come back and he was a revelation."
Topics: Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal
Dominic Booth