Gabriel Jesus
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has provided an encouraging update on his road to recovery, revealing that his rehabilitation is going “great” and that he’s eagerly anticipating his return to action after what he described as “the biggest injury of my life.”
The Brazilian forward was in sparkling form earlier this year before suffering a season injury ACL against Manchester United in January. Subsequent scans confirmed the club’s worst fears: a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that sidelined the 28-year-old for the remainder of the season.
Since undergoing surgery, Jesus has been working tirelessly at London Colney to regain full fitness. Recent images show him back on the grass, doing light ball work, a sight that has lifted spirits among supporters. Reports suggest the striker is recovering ahead of schedule, with hopes that he could make his first-team return by December, just in time for Arsenal’s demanding winter schedule.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official matchday programme, Jesus said: “I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well. I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It’s been too long.”
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He added that the recovery process has required patience and discipline, even as his progress tempts him to accelerate his comeback.
“An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. Now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches. But it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line. When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”
🤩 Gabriel Jesus. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/HhEadYWwOu
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) October 23, 2025
The timing of the injury, Jesus admits, made it even harder to accept. He was not only in peak footballing form but also feeling his best off the pitch.
“I always believe in myself. I’ve had a few tough moments since I arrived here, but also great ones where I was playing a lot and in good shape,” he reflected.
“Even in games when I wasn’t scoring, I was opening space and running in behind. But unfortunately, I picked up some injuries and we cannot control that. But this one is the biggest injury I’ve had in my life, and it came when I was living my best moment outside the pitch.”
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He explained that the setback has taught him valuable lessons about balance and self-care.
“I was preparing well, feeling chilled, eating good, sleeping well, recovering well and then it happens. So that’s why I say we couldn’t expect it. Now I know it’s never enough. You need to look after yourself even more. You have to be clever to play all season. That’s what I think now, I need to control training because I’m a player who always gives 100 per cent. If you don’t control it properly, it can be a problem.”
Despite the frustration of being sidelined for nine months, Jesus remains optimistic about the future and even harbors hopes of representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Of course, I would love to be there for a third,” he said. “But it’s not easy. We have great players, an amazing squad, and it’s only a short period until the World Cup. There is not a lot of time there, but I trust in myself. As soon as I start playing again, I will do my best to get involved.”
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