Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested Gabriel Jesus could be back in action soon after making a swift recovery from a broken foot.
Gabriel, who turned 20 on Monday, took part in light training on Monday, just seven weeks after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his right foot.
The Brazil international has been working in the gym in a bid to keep up his fitness levels and it is hoped he can return to full training soon -- and feature for the first team before the end of the season.
.@gabrieljesus33 Heeeeee's baaaaaack!!! And on his birthday!
Training ➡️ https://t.co/LwEWJ7E4sd #mcfc pic.twitter.com/MJ2C40j8Du
- Manchester City (@ManCity) April 3, 2017
"Yesterday was the first day he started to go to the pitch to run and walk," Guardiola said. "I don't know exactly how many weeks he needs to come back but I think he is at the end of the part of the process to come back, so we will see. Hopefully he can help us in the last games at the end of the season.''
Gabriel, who completed his move to the Etihad in January, has been out of action since picking up the injury early in the 2-0 victory at Bournemouth on Feb. 13, but could be in contention for a place in the FA Cup final if City can get past Arsenal in the semifinals.
The injury brought an end to his excellent start in England that saw him score three times in his first four games, including a last-minute winner in the victory over Swansea City.
His form saw Sergio Aguero relegated to the bench but the Argentina international has started all nine games since Gabriel's injury, scoring eight goals in that time.
Information from the Press Association was used in this report.