Gabriel Jesus may travel with Arsenal squad as the Gunners face Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League

• Gabriel Jesus has been absent from the World Cup since his knee injury
• The Brazilian striker resumed contact training last week as he nears a return
• The availability of Jesus would give Arsenal a big boost in their title fight

Gabriel Jesus is reportedly looking to travel to Lisbon with the Arsenal squad as the Brazilian striker is set to return after three months on the sidelines.

Jesus has been absent from the Gunners since undergoing knee surgery at the World Cup in Brazil.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed last week that the star was getting closer to a return.

The Brazilian striker was pictured training at the club’s London Colney base.

According to The Sun, Jesus could be included in Arsenal’s traveling party for Thursday’s Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon.

The round of 16 tie is expected to come too soon for Jesus to return but he will reportedly continue to fit into first-team training.

Jesus may still miss Arsenal’s next two Premier League games before his return against Leeds after the international break in early April.

Ahead of the Gunners’ dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth, Arteta said the club were pleased with the progress Jesus has made in his recovery.

“He’s not very close, but not far at all,” Arteta said.

“He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are confident of how the injury is developing. We’re in a good place with him I think.’

“His mentality is incredible and the team did a really good job with him to get him in the position he is in today.”

The return of Jesus would give Arsenal a boost in their quest for the Premier League title.

The Brazilian had scored five goals in 14 Premier League games before his injury.

Arteta has commended how his troupe stood up during Jesus’ absence.

A late win over Bournemouth allowed Arteta’s side to maintain their five-point lead over defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table.

Arsenal will return to the Europa League on Thursday when they meet Sporting Lisbon at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

The Gunners are among the favorites to win the tournament.