Injury expert Ben Dinnery says that Gabriel Jesus is 'bang on schedule' in terms of his return to Arsenal.

The Lowdown: London Colney return

Arsenal reporter for GOAL Charles Watts has confirmed that Jesus has returned to Arsenal to step up his recovery from a knee injury that he picked up in December.

After surgery, he is able to do light training with a ball, and is walking around freely without the need for crutches or a knee brace.

The Latest: 'Bang on schedule'

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Denary says that Jesus is 'bang on schedule' in terms of his recovery, after he was given a timescale of between three and four months out:

“Mikel Arteta was always fairly vague on the timescale of Jesus’ injury, but my understanding was around that three month period and potentially extending to closer towards four months.

“That fits with that because he picked up that injury in Qatar and that was at the beginning of December.

“As a guide, you would say he is bang on schedule in targeting that, but it really depends on how Arsenal are doing as to whether they rush him back into the team.”

The Verdict: Big boost

The fact that Jesus is on schedule to recover, and has not suffered any injury setbacks, is a big boost for Mikel Arteta and his team going into the latter stages of the season.

Hailed as a 'world-class' striker on his day by his former Manchester City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, Jesus has made a huge difference in terms of turning the Gunners from top-four hopefuls to title contenders.

Aside from his five goals and five assists in the Premier League before his injury, the Brazil international has also averaged more shots and dribbles per game than anyone else in the squad, while he has also won the most fouls (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, after dropping points to both Newcastle United and Everton in the New Year so far, Jesus will be key in terms of keeping their title hopes up.