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Mikel Arteta confirms that 'phenomenal' Gabriel Jesus is 'not far' from a return to the first-team... but the Brazilian will 'need to earn his place' after facing three months out with a knee injury

Related Topics: Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus, Brazil

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is 'not far' from a return to first-team action.

The Brazilian striker has been out for three months after picking up a knee injury during the World Cup.

Arteta has continually been reluctant to give an exact timeline on the striker's return but he said that it will be a lot clearer in the next week to 10 days.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta said: 'He's not far now.

'I don't want to give a timeline but he's doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team.