Gabriel Jesus
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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has expressed heartfelt gratitude to his former club Palmeiras for allowing him to use their world-class training facilities as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The 28-year-old Brazilian, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash against Manchester United on January 12, 2025, shared a message of appreciation on Instagram, posting a video of his rehabilitation at Palmeiras’ training complex in São Paulo.
“Evolving Arsenal,” Jesus wrote in the caption. “And thank you to Palmeiras for opening their doors so I could use this incredible facility during my recovery when I’m home. Always a pleasure to be here.”
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The footage, which shows Jesus training in Arsenal gear, has stirred emotions among Palmeiras fans, many of whom dream of the striker returning to the club where he began his professional career. Jesus rose to prominence with Palmeiras between 2015 and 2016 before earning a move to Manchester City and later Arsenal. Despite the speculation, Jesus has previously stated he would only consider a return to Palmeiras while still at the top of his game, not as a final career move.
His recovery from the ACL injury, confirmed by Arsenal on January 14, 2025, is progressing steadily. The club announced at the time that Jesus would undergo surgery and begin a “lengthy recovery and rehabilitation programme,” with a return to action not expected until late 2025 or early 2026. Standard recovery timelines for such injuries suggest at least nine months on the sidelines.
Jesus has been keeping fans updated with regular posts documenting his rehabilitation journey. On June 20, he shared fresh clips of his gym work at Palmeiras, showcasing improved strength and mobility. Earlier, in March, he posted, “Working hard and improving every day, thanks to God. Step by step,” marking his seventh week of recovery.
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His absence has been keenly felt at Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta has had to adjust his attacking options throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with injuries also affecting Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. In Jesus’ absence, midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed in an advanced role, underlining the Gunners’ need for reinforcements. Arsenal have since been linked with striker targets such as Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko as they aim to strengthen their front line.
Jesus, who scored seven goals in 27 appearances prior to his injury, has remained closely connected to Palmeiras throughout his career. In April 2025, he was seen attending the club’s Copa Libertadores match against Cerro Porteño. Palmeiras president Leila Pereira reportedly inquired about his availability earlier this year, but Arsenal were unwilling to entertain any talks. Despite media speculation in Brazil of a potential return, the financial demands believed to exceed £40 million along with Jesus’ contract at Arsenal, which runs until 2027, make a transfer unlikely in the short term.
For now, Gabriel Jesus remains focused on his recovery, with both Arsenal and Palmeiras providing vital support as he works his way back to full fitness.
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