Nketiah Is Still Far Away From Recovery – Arsenal Boss Arteta

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is still several weeks away from recovering from an ankle injury he picked up earlier this month, says boss Mikel Arteta.

The 23-year-old scored six goals in 12 games before he was sidelined with the injury.

“It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him,” said Arteta.

But Gabriel Jesus’ return is a welcome boost as the Gunners prepare for a Europa League last-16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

Brazil forward Jesus returned as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Fulham, coming on in the 77th minute, after a spell out with a knee injury sustained at the World Cup.

And he could make his first Arsenal start since November against Sporting.

“It was great to see him back. You can feel the happiness of everyone,” Arteta said.

“We missed him and now he’s back. We have to manage his minutes, his involvement in the squad and the team.

“He’s feeling good and every day he’s training he says his sensations are better and better, so that’s really positive,”