Gabriel Jesus made his return from an 11-month injury layoff on Wednesday as Arsenal beat Club Brugge 3-0, replacing Viktor Gyokeres as a second-half substitute
BRUGES, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 10: Mikel Arteta Head Coach of Arsenal FC speaks during the press conference after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Club Brugge KV and Arsenal FC at Jan Breydelstadion on December 10, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is excited about Gabriel Jesus' return(Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
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Viktor Gyokeres is set to face increased competition for his place in the Arsenal team after Mikel Arteta lauded Gabriel Jesus' comeback. Jesus, who suffered a devastating ACL injury 11 months ago, finally made his return to action during Wednesday's comfortable 3-0 win away to Club Brugge in the Champions League.
The striker came on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Gyokeres, who'd endured a frustrating night. Jesus looked lively during his cameo and forced Brugge goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel into a smart save during the closing stages.
In training, the former Manchester City star has been chomping at the bit to get back into Arteta's side. His return means that Gyokeres, Mikel Merino and now Jesus are all options to start up front for Arsenal, who host last-placed Wolves on Saturday.
The Gunners are also preparing to welcome back Kai Havertz, who is aiming to recover from his injury layoff by the end of this month. Despite the competition for places, Arteta appears to be counting on Jesus.
Asked if the Brazilian can play a big part in the second half of Arsenal's season, the Gunners boss replied: "Yes, and especially if he continues to perform in the manner that he's doing and the energy that he's putting in training.
"I think he brings something else, and I was really happy to see that and for him as well, for his confidence to grow, for his teammates to feel him as well because some of them haven't played with him. So, Gabby has a really special quality where he suddenly connects everybody around him and that’s something that we as a team need and it will make us better."
Arteta went on to say: "I am so happy for him, I think you can see how much we all love him. It's been a very, very difficult and long journey.
BRUGES, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 10: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Club Brugge KV and Arsenal FC at Jan Breydelstadion on December 10, 2025 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus returned for Arsenal after 11 months out
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"For 11 months he's been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance with us is something really impressive and we're all delighted for him."
Having returned to training four weeks ago, Jesus was finally able to be involved in match on Wednesday. Post-match, the 28-year-old shared an image of himself on his knees praying at full-time. "Thank you God," Jesus wrote as the caption.
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