Fernandinho calls for patience over Jesus fitness

Midfielder Fernandinho has urged Manchester City fans to be patient with striker Gabriel Jesus, as the young Brazilian nears a return from a broken foot.

Jesus hasn’t played since fracturing a metatarsal in City’s victory over Bournemouth, which cut short a hugely promising start to life in English football for the 20-year-old.

It was initially feared the injury would keep him out for the rest of the season, but he has recently returned to training and could feature in the Manchester derby on Thursday night.

Fernandinho said: “Gabriel is coming back now and I think we must be patient and have some caution, a foot injury is always complicated.

“But we know that whenever he is ready, he will come back well and give everything, as always and he will be very important for us.”

The match against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium is of utmost importance for City, as they look to prevent their local rivals from leapfrogging them in the Premier League table and into the top four.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“It’s a decisive game, they are behind us by one point and they won their game today on Sunday,” Fernandinho said.

“We have the same amount of games played, so we are fighting for a place in the Champions League for next season.

“I believe it will be a similar game to the one against Arsenal, with high intensity, with both teams trying their best to win the game.”