Gabriel Jesus has issued an update on his rehabilitation process since suffering a season-ending injury at the start of January. The Arsenal forward was ruled out for what could be up to nine months and required surgery on his knee.
It is the latest in a long line of problems for Jesus in the past couple of years. Having returned to form over the Christmas and New Year period, Jesus was dealt another major setback during the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United.
He had to be stretchered off the field at the Emirates Stadium in the first-half. Arsenal confirmed that Jesus needed an operation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Despite it being yet another significant lay-off, Jesus has managed to remain in high spirits. Posting online, he has now provided an update on his journey back to playing.
Writing on his various social media platforms, Jesus said: "The first seven weeks of recovery are done. Working hard and improving every day, thanks to God. Step by step! [prayer hands, bicep, and phone hands emoji]"
Included in the post is a video which starts during the United match and documents the work he has done at home to start building up his strength and mobility. Jesus can be seen being looked after by his partner as well as getting support from his daughter.
Footage is included of Jesus treating his knee on the sofa with the help of an Arsenal physio. He is also captured on a treadmill walking as well as carefully moving in the swimming pool.
Pictures in the short montage show Jesus in a hospital bed after his procedure. He can also be seen cautiously using an exercise bike, stretching out at the Sobha Realty Training Complex, and needing crutches with both hands to walk slowly in the gym.
He is also trying to improve balance and stability on his injured left knee, walking over small hurdles with a weight bar being held above his head. The Brazilian will not be back until next season.
In his absence and a similarly devastating injury to Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta has turned to Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. Leandro Trossard has also been used.
Against PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 clash, Arteta deployed Raheem Sterling alongside Kieran Tierney and Merino attack. Arsenal had a massive 7-1 buffer heading into the match and could afford to heavily rotate.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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