Categories: News

Jesus returns to Man City’s training

Brazilian sensation Gabriel Jesus boosted Manchester City’s trophy hopes as he returned to training earlier than expected on his 20th birthday, the club revealed on its website.

The striker — who joined City in the January transfer window after they paid Palmeiras an initial £27 million ($33 million, 31 million euros) — made a sensational start to his English career with three goals in five matches.

His hot streak was stopped in its tracks when he broke a bone in his foot against Bournemouth in mid-February — he was expected to be out for between two and three months. City manager Pep Guardiola speaking to the press on the eve of their clash with league leaders Chelsea said he hoped Jesus could play a role at some point before the end of the season.

“Yesterday (Monday) was his (Jesus) first day running on the pitch,” said Guardiola.

“I don’t know exactly how many weeks it will be but he is at the end part of the process. Hopefully he can help us over the last games.”

City had earlier said on their website that Jesus had defied expectations in returning quicker than expected, “with the early prognosis suggesting he could be out until the end of the season.”

“He recently began working in the gym in a bid to keep his fitness levels high -– and on his 20th birthday, he returned to the training field just seven weeks after his initial setback,” said the statement.

“And although he didn’t take part in full training, focusing instead on some light ball work, it’s a sight City fans will nonetheless have been pleased to see.”

His return comes at a timely moment for Guardiola, who is desperate to maintain his record of never going trophyless through a season with any club he has managed.

City’s best hopes of ensuring that proud record stands is perhaps in the FA Cup where they face Arsenal in the semi-finals later this month. In the league they are 11 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:57 pm

SoccerNet Editor

Our editorial team at Soccernet.ng boasts over a decade of combined experience in covering Nigerian football, delivering timely news, expert analysis, and engaging content. With a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence, we connect fans to the heart of Nigerian and global football stories.

Share
Published by
SoccerNet Editor

Recent Posts

17-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender pens professional deal with Chelsea

Teenage English sensation, Olutayo Peter Subuloye, has penned his first professional contract with two-time UEFA… Read More

2 hours ago

Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge's league game against… Read More

2 hours ago

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

4 hours ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

4 hours ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

5 hours ago

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

6 hours ago