Gabriel Jesus is poised to return to action against Norwich City this weekend after missing the recent victories over Bournemouth and Brighton. The Manchester City forward suffered a thigh injury in training and was given permission to return to his native Brazil to recover during the international break.
His former club Palmeiras allowed him to use their facilities and he will return to the Etihad campus for Vincent Kompany’s testimonial game against a World XI on Wednesday night.
The setback was unfortunate timing for Jesus, who started the new campaign brightly and was still on a high after playing a starring role in Brazil’s summer Copa America triumph.
He hit the winning penalty in the Community Shield shoot-out victory curtain-raiser against Liverpool, also scoring in the Premier League opener against West Ham United.
The samba ace has also seen two further goals controversially ruled out by VAR, most notably a last-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur.
Jesus took the number nine shirt this summer and boss Pep Guardiola believes the 22-year-old has finally come to grips with the more physical side of the English game.
City signed the South American for £28million two years ago but he remains behind top scorer Sergio Aguero in the starting pecking order.
The Argentina international has laid down an early marker again this season and currently leads the Premier League goalscoring charts with six goals.
The return to fitness of Jesus certainly boosts Guardiola’s attacking options for the trip down to Carrow Road, traditionally a happy hunting ground for the Citizens.
Despite playing second fiddle to Aguero and injuries which include a fractured cheekbone, a broken metatarsal and medial knee ligament damage, Jesus has still managed an impressive 46 goals in 94 appearances for City, suggesting he could be the man to fill his team-mate’s considerable shooting boots in the next few years.
