Guardiola reveals Jesus early return

GABRIEL Jesus could be back as early as next week, with the Brazilian ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee ligament injury.

Jesus suffered medial collateral damage in the New Year’s Eve clash with Crystal Palace.

He was initially expected to return in time for the Champions League tie with Basel on Tuesday - but Pep Guardiola claimed last week that he would require “four or five weeks rest.”

But the speed of his recovery over the past week, which has seen him kick a ball again, has led to Guardiola suggesting he is on course to return earlier than expected.

“Gabriel is coming back soon,” said the City manager. “Maybe in one week, 10 days, two weeks, he will be ready.”

Leroy Sane is also responding well to treatment on his ankle injury, suffered in the FA Cup tie against Cardiff last month.

“He’s much better, but still not ready,” said Guardiola. “He was just running yesterday.”

City will be left to rely on Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling for goals while they await the return of Jesus and Sane.

Guardiola admitted he would ideally rotate Aguero, who is the Premier League leaders’ only recognised fit striker – but insists he will have to stick with the Argentine as City continue their pursuit on all fronts.

“I would like to give him a rest sometimes,” he said. “But he is the only striker I have.”