Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has been pictured back in training.
The Gunners are currently two points clear of reigning champions Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League.
However, the club have managed to maintain their position at the top, despite having lost £45million summer signing Jesus to injury four months ago.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a bright start to life as an Arsenal player, scoring five goals in his opening eight Premier League games, and claiming a further seven assists in all competitions.
While Eddie Nketiah has deputised well for the Brazilian since his injury, the Gunners have clearly missed Jesus' talismanic presence at the top of the pitch.
Advert
However, the striker appears to be nearing a return, having been pictured undergoing training drills at Colney.
The pictures, which were posted on the Brazilian international's Instagram, show the grinning striker back training on grass. Whether he has returned to full training with the rest of the first team is unclear from the snaps however, given he is not surrounded by any teammates.
The Brazilian forward has been ruled out since November with a knee injury that he sustained during the World Cup.
He subsequently returned to Arsenal to undergo surgery, and has been on a detailed programme of recovery ever since.
What has Arteta said on Jesus' recovery?
The pictures tally up with what Arteta's said on Jesus' recovery.
The Gunners boss offered a brief update on his star striker ahead of Arsenal's 1-0 win to Premier League rivals Leicester City.
"He’s progressing well," the Spaniard said. "Doing more and more on the field. The knee’s not reacting so it’s really positive.
"We want him back as quick as possible, but also respecting the timescale that the doctors and the specialists are giving us."
Football London claimed Arsenal now expect Jesus to return before the international break.
Arsenal have six games in 19 days days before the two-week lay-off on March 19.
Topics: Football, Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Injury
Chris Byfield