Pep Guardiola: Gabriel Jesus is nearing comeback for Manchester City

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: An injured Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City leaves the pitch during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on February 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: An injured Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City leaves the pitch during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on February 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Pep Guardiola has indicated that recovering Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus could make some appearances before the end of the season.

In a press conference, Pep Guardiola revealed that Gabriel Jesus is no longer using crutches, and is hopeful that he will be able to contribute in Manchester City’s crucial premier league final fixtures.

Guardiola said:

"The crutches are gone. He has started to walk…and then hopefully he can help us in the last games of the season and then come back in the preseason fit."

After fracturing his metatarsal in the Bournemouth away game, it was widely believed that the 19-year-old wouldn’t feature again at all this season.

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After coming into the first team and making Sergio Aguero fight for his spot, it all looked perfect for Jesus. However, the injury abruptly ended his excellent form. Metatarsal injuries are nearly always serious, but hopefully this one won’t have any residual effects on the young player.

If Jesus can contribute in the final games of the season and keep up his goalscoring form, it might prove critical. An injection of pace up front at a time when heads start to drop could mean the difference between Champions league football, or missing out for a season.

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At the very least, Jesus will be able to take bigger part in the preseason games for City — never a bad thing when trying to rehabilitate a player into a squad. This way, he’ll likely be ready to go for the new season.