Huge boost for Arsenal ahead of Sporting Lisbon clash as key player spotted in first-team training

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus was spotted in first-team training on Wednesday in a major boost for Mikel Arteta.

Jesus, 25, has been out of action for several months after suffering a serious knee injury playing for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.

After undergoing surgery, Jesus has progressed well in his recovery and was seen doing warm-down exercises alongside his Arsenal teammates at the Emirates on Saturday following their dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth.

On Wednesday, Jesus was filmed walking out for full first-team training alongside his teammates at Arsenal's London Colney base.

He is expected to travel with the Arsenal squad for the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal on Thursday.

However, the Brazilian is unlikely to feature in the match and Arteta could wait until after the upcoming international break to reintroduce him to first-team football.

Arteta: Jesus return not far off

Speaking earlier this month, Arteta said he wouldn't rush Jesus back but was hopeful of having the Brazilian available again soon.

"He's not far now," said Arteta. "I don't want to give a timeline but certain things are with the team and certain things are outside the team.

"He's not very close but he's not far at all. He's feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving. We are in a good place with him, I think."

Arsenal are set to be without several other attacking players for the trip to Portugal, with Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah both expected to miss the match.

Trossard was forced off in the win over Bournemouth with a groin problem.

There is a hope his injury is not serious and that he can feature before the international break later this month.

Meanwhile, Nketiah picked up a knock against Everton last week and subsequently missed the Bournemouth match.

He is not expected to feature against Sporting and could also be a doubt for Sunday's Premier League match against Fulham.