Gabriel Jesus return date

Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus’ camp are targeting a return to fitness for the beginning of December, reports SunSport’s Jordan Davies.

Jesus has endured an injury-ravaged start to the campaign, missing the first three Premier League games with a knee issue, and after a brief return he hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League win away at Sevilla with a hamstring injury.

The Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta has previously refused to put a timeline on the striker’s recovery, admitting he was “totally wrong” last time with the player back sooner than expected.

However, SunSport understands that the Brazil international’s representatives are eyeing a few more weeks on the sidelines before a full return next month after the November international break.

The ex-Manchester City star is currently taking part in rehab work away from the pitch at London Colney.

There is a sense that great care needs to be taken with the 26-year-old heading into a busy festive period, and no risks will be taken.

Mikel Arteta lashes out

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lashed out after Newcastle’s controversial goal was allowed to stand on Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park.

We need to talk about the result because we need to talk about how the hell this goal could stand? It’s incredible.

I feel embarrassed but I have to stand here and try to defend the club and please ask for help because it is an absolute disgrace that this goal was allowed – an absolute disgrace because it is not a goal.

For many reasons, it is not a goal. For more than at least one reason, it is not a goal. It is too much at stake here. We put in so much to compete at this level and what we have seen is an absolute disgrace.

Again, I feel embarrassed. I have been in this country for more than 20 years and this is nowhere near the level of what is described as the best league in the world.

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal release refereeing statement

The Gunners have issued a statement in support of manager Mikel Arteta following his furious tirade about VAR.

It read: “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.

“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.

“PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.

“We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”

Merson compares star to Bergkamp

Paul Merson reckons the new Dennis Bergkamp is lighting up the Premier League.

Merse, 55, played with the legendary Dutchman for two years at Arsenal from 1995 to 1997.

So he witnessed Bergkamp’s incredible technical ability first-hand.

Now he sees similarities with Chelsea’s new £42.5million versatile forward.

Cole Palmer has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances since arriving from Manchester City and shone in the recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

And it is the way he can unpick defences that has particularly impressed Merson.

Newcastle duo suffer awful abuse

Toon have slammed the racist abuse of Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock following their controversial 1-0 win over Arsenal.

The pair were both targeted by sick messages on social media.

It is the latest depressing instance of footballers receiving vile and disgusting hate online.

Newcastle released a statement about the incident this morning.

The Magpies said: “Newcastle United strongly condemns racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock via social media following yesterday’s victory over Arsenal.

“Our message is clear. There is no room for racism in football or society.

“We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account.”

Arsenal legend slams Ramsdale decision

Gunners icon Emmanuel Petit has criticised his former club for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya.

Speaking to OLBG, the Frenchman said: “I don’t like the decision Arsenal made in regards to swapping their goalkeeper. I didn’t like it when PSG did it with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Keylor Navas, either!

It puts trouble in the team and in the dressing room. Egos, as we know, are very big in football. Ramsdale played well last season and he’s done a great overall job since joining the club. Raya has been put into the first eleven straight away, even after making a few mistakes.

“It must be hard for Ramsdale to cope with this situation! He can fight, but apart from that, what can he do? At the end of the day, Raya will play even if he makes mistakes. I don’t like this situation.

“I know Mikel Arteta and I know Arsenal want to have two great ‘keepers across the competitions. I can understand that, but you need to have a number one and a number two, and be clear and honest about that.

“Goalkeepers are a unique position in the team – you don’t interact with them in the same way you would with outfield players. You need to be very careful. I don’t like the situation at the moment.”