Arsenal have registered Gabriel Jesus to the UEFA Champions League which is a major boost. Therefore, the Brazilian forward is eligible to play in their playoff knockout in Club Brugges on December 11. The 28-year-old was in sidelines since January 2025, with a ruptured ACL. He replaces injured 15-year-old academy prospect Max Dowman on the UEFA A list. This indicates Jesus is returning at an earlier time to competitive action.
Jesus Impressive in Rehabilitation
The inclusion of Jesus brings to an end an impressive recovery history. The former Manchester City star was initially projected to miss the whole of the 2025-26 season. But has gone beyond medical expectations, returning to full training last month. Arteta has glorified his finishing skills in sessions. He said the striker has kept fit in matches thanks to intense gym training and tactical practices.
🚨 BREAKING! 🇧🇷
Gabriel Jesus is now registered to take part in UEFA Champions League action. 🤩
He replaces Max Dowman on list A. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/mqNd2L5nYQ
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) December 9, 2025
Dowman’s Unfortunate Setback
The vacancy arose from Max Dowman’s ankle injury during U-18 training last week. The ruling out the prodigious winger—Arsenal’s youngest-ever Champions League registrant—for several weeks. At 15, Dowman had been a wildcard inclusion. But his absence underscores the club’s youth integration challenges amid a gruelling schedule.
Revitalizing Arsenal’s Forward Line
The reintroduction of Jesus in Arsenal also brings a boost in pace to a thin striker pool. The attack drained by the knee problems of Havertz and the uncertain performance of Gyokeres. His combination of pushing intensity, link-up play, and clinical touch can be seen in his eight-goal haul in 2024-25. He has the potential to open up the attack of Arsenal which can only score 1.8 goals per game in recent matches.
🗣️Gabriel Martinelli can’t wait to see Gabriel Jesus back playing for #Arsenal: “It’s really good. I love Gabi. I always say he’s one of the best strikers in the world, for me, so I’m really happy to have him back.
“Not just on the pitch but outside the pitch as well because… pic.twitter.com/2ZV4ahjv1T
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) December 9, 2025
Path Forward in Europe
Eligible immediately, Jesus could feature from the bench in Brugge, where a win secures a favourable last-16 draw. Arteta remains cautious: “We’re not rushing him, but his energy is infectious.” As Arsenal navigate a “dangerous circle” of injuries, Jesus carries hope—a beacon in their trophy hunt.
As featured on GoonerNews.com