Mikel Arteta refuses to reveal whether Gabriel Jesus has travelled to Lisbon

Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm if Gabriel Jesus has travelled for Arsenal’s Europa League last-16 first-leg clash with Sporting.

The Brazil forward has not featured since requiring surgery on a knee injury suffered at the World Cup but has recently returned to training.

A potential return date has been a closely-guarded secret within London Colney and Arteta has already batted away questions on whether he expects Jesus back before the international break later this month.

UEFA rules mean the opening 15 minutes of training on the eve of matches are open to the media and Jesus was seen working alongside his team-mates in preparation.

But Arteta was tight-lipped when he arrived in Lisbon, insisting any news surrounding his squad would be released ahead of kick-off.

“News on the squad will be tomorrow,” he said.

“We have brought a few players and you will see tomorrow who is available.”

Arsenal’s official social media channels showed a number of players boarding the flight to Lisbon, which was delayed due to adverse weather in the UK, and Jesus was not one of those filmed.

When directly asked if Jesus had travelled, an Arsenal spokesperson also refused to comment.

Destination: Lisbon ✈️ pic.twitter.com/YSP2gPdCw0

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 8, 2023

Arteta did, however, say he would attempt not to fast-track Jesus back into action despite having Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard missing through injury.

“We will try not to rush him back,” he said.

“We will try to make a fair assessment between what he needs and when is comfortable and as well giving the team a boost that it’s going to need in the next few weeks for sure.

“Everything is going well, he needs time as well to get himself that confidence and that physical