Gabriel Jesus hasn't played for Arsenal since an FA Cup clash in January with the Brazilian doing plenty of reflection since as he closes in on a return to full fitness
Gabriel Jesus is edging towards a return to full fitness
Gabriel Jesus is edging towards a return to full fitness
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Gabriel Jesus is back in Arsenal training and closing in on a return to full fitness - but his lengthy absence made him realise that he needed to improve several aspects of his life.
The Brazilian was in fine form before he went down in his side's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January. He was one of several players to be hit by injury, but his ACL setback meant he's been left on the sidelines for the best part of a year.
Jesus has seen Arsenal add a lot more firepower since he last played, but was more than contributing in the final third before his injury. The ex-Manchester City star admits his setback was something of a wake up call as he thought he was on top of a lot of things in his life.
But the nature of the major injury made him reassess and he now realises self care is even more vital if he wants to be playing and contributing across the entire season.
He told the club's website: "Yes, 100 per cent, in terms of my personal life, and the way I see things outside of the pitch as well. I was in the best moment of my career. I was looking after all the areas in my life and I was feeling absolutely great. I mean I was doing much better than I was when I was younger. But despite that, I picked up this injury. So now I know that it's never enough.
"You need to look after yourself even more. You have to be clever to be able to play all season. That’s what I think now, I need to control training, because I’m a player who always goes outside and gives 100%. If you don’t control it properly, it can be a problem."
Jesus is coming back into an Arsenal side that are top of the Premier League and going great guns in the Champions League. However the Brazilian, in his eagerness to get back, knows he needs to keep a lid on things having just got back on the pitch following months of recovery.
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He said: "My knee's responding very well. So now 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. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.
"So 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."
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