Arsenal drop worrying injury hint for Mikel Arteta as Champions League decision announced

Arsenal have dropped a worrying injury hint with their Champions League squad after one star was omitted from Mikel Arteta’s plans having last featured for the Gunners in January

Arsenal have dropped a hint over the fitness of Gabriel Jesus as the striker continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The Brazilian has been sidelined since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United back in January. He has consistently posted updates about his rehabilitation on social media as he intensifies his recovery programme.

In his most recent update last month, he posted footage of himself returning to individual training on the pitch. The caption read: “It’s been seven months of pain, uncertainty, and anxiety. Today, I finally feel light – like a child playing football again. GOD IS GREAT.”

Whilst the striker is progressing well in his rehabilitation, it could still be some time before he’s ready to return to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

A choice regarding Arsenal’s Champions League squad reveals that the club aren’t anticipating his immediate return.

Arsenal have submitted a 23-man squad for the group stage of the Champions League. Clubs had until September 2nd to register their squad with UEFA.

The sidelined Jesus wasn’t included in the squad, suggesting that Arsenal don’t anticipate him being available for most of the group matches.

Arsenal’s final group fixture of the tournament takes place at the Emirates Stadium on January 28th when they face Kairat (8pm kick-off). Should Arsenal progress to the knockout rounds and Jesus becomes available, he can then be added to the revised squad.

Despite injury worries, Kai Havertz has been named in the squad for the group stage. The forward has had a successful minor surgical procedure, but the duration of his absence remains uncertain.

The German suffered a knee injury following Arsenal’s opening day win against Manchester United, but his absence is not expected to be as long as initially feared.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are both included in the squad despite their injury concerns. The latter limped off just minutes into the defeat at Liverpool and faces several weeks out after twisting his knee.