“Progressing really well” – Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal double fitness update

Mikel Arteta has given an update on the fitness of Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Jesu has been struggling with a groin injury, playing just five minutes off the bench against Wolves in the Gunners' pre-season opener before missing Aston Villa.

Thankfully, Jesus' injuries do not appear to be serious.

“He's progressing really well,” Arteta told reporters at a press conference on Friday (via Football.London). “He's got a little muscle and he's already doing a lot of things, so we expect him to be with us very soon.”

However, when asked if the Brazil international would be available for Arsenal's clash with Brighton this weekend, Arteta replied unequivocally: “No.”

Tomiyasu's recovery is a 'slow process', says Arteta

Japan defender Tomiyasu is Arsenal's current absentee, having been sidelined since July with a knee injury.

Unlike Jesus, Tomiyasu's outlook is a bit dim, as the 25-year-old has yet to return to training.

“At the moment, it's hard to say,” Arteta replied when asked when Tomiyasu would return.

“The first phase of that injury is slowly progressing. It is probably for the medical team to say more about that.