Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is still expected to be absent for an extended period, despite recent claims that he could return within four to five weeks, journalist Charles Watts has explained.

What's the word?

Jesus picked up a long-term injury during the World Cup, but recently admitted on video while at Arsenal's win over Manchester United that he hopes to return within four or five weeks.

Eddie Nketiah has performed superbly in his absence, with the Englishman's brace helping his side secure a massive victory over the Red Devils, but the return of Jesus is sure to give Arsenal a boost.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts relayed Mikel Arteta's claims that despite the Brazilian's eagerness to return as soon as possible, the club are set to act with caution over his injury and not rush him back after speaking to the Spaniard on Wednesday.

"I asked Mikel about [Jesus], if he could confirm that that is the kind of timeframe that they're looking at, and he said it's really difficult with him, because he's chomping at the bit, he's pushing every single day to be back - he said he [Jesus] wants to be back next week. He then said that's absolutely not going to happen because it was a really big injury, but he hopes that it's weeks and not months.

"He clearly didn't confirm what Jesus said at the weekend, and Arsenal have been very, very careful not to put a timeframe on Jesus' injury and his return from injury, because they don't want to put any undue pressure on him, on the club, on the medical staff, which is understandable. So we'll have to wait and see, but that's what he said to me."

Ease him back in

With Nketiah's excellent form coming at the perfect time, as well as the addition of Leandro Trossard from Brighton, there is no urgent need to rush Jesus back and risk further injury.

Arsenal will have a packed schedule as the season goes on, and if he returns within the next two months, he will still have a big role to play in the title race and cup competitions, but we believe he should not return unless he is completely recovered given the severity of the injury.

Although he was on a fairly lengthy goal drought before his injury - failing to score in his last 10 appearances in all competitions - his impact on the team has been astronomical since his arrival from Manchester City, with Martin Keown previously describing him as a "fantastic leader".

If Arsenal do go on to win major silverware this season, the contribution of Jesus will have played a big part despite his injury issues.