Arsenal have dropped a worrying injury hint with their Champions League squad after one star was omitted from Mikel Arteta's plans having last featured for the Gunners in January
08:31, 04 Sep 2025Updated 08:31, 04 Sep 2025
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following the team's defeat during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta confirmed Arsenal's Champions League squad(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal have dropped a hint over the fitness of Gabriel Jesus as the striker continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The Brazilian has been sidelined since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United back in January. He has consistently posted updates about his rehabilitation on social media as he intensifies his recovery programme.
In his most recent update last month, he posted footage of himself returning to individual training on the pitch. The caption read: "It's been seven months of pain, uncertainty, and anxiety. Today, I finally feel light - like a child playing football again. GOD IS GREAT."
Whilst the striker is progressing well in his rehabilitation, it could still be some time before he's ready to return to Mikel Arteta's squad.
A choice regarding Arsenal's Champions League squad reveals that the club aren't anticipating his immediate return.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious knee injury in January(Image: PA)
Arsenal have submitted a 23-man squad for the group stage of the Champions League. Clubs had until September 2nd to register their squad with UEFA.
The sidelined Jesus wasn't included in the squad, suggesting that Arsenal don't anticipate him being available for most of the group matches.
Arsenal's final group fixture of the tournament takes place at the Emirates Stadium on January 28th when they face Kairat (8pm kick-off). Should Arsenal progress to the knockout rounds and Jesus becomes available, he can then be added to the revised squad.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
Despite injury worries, Kai Havertz has been named in the squad for the group stage. The forward has had a successful minor surgical procedure, but the duration of his absence remains uncertain.
The German suffered a knee injury following Arsenal's opening day win against Manchester United, but his absence is not expected to be as long as initially feared.
Article continues below
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are both included in the squad despite their injury concerns. The latter limped off just minutes into the defeat at Liverpool and faces several weeks out after twisting his knee.