Gabriel Jesus is getting closer to returning to the field, and Mikel Arteta has a good reason to breathe easier. The Brazilian forward has rejoined full training with the squad on Monday, and Arsenal expects he could be available for selection in the coming weeks.
Out since January, Gabriel has been recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, suffered on the 12th of that month during a Carabao Cup match against Manchester United. While challenging for the ball with Bruno Fernandes, the forward landed awkwardly early in the first half. The diagnosis confirmed the ligament tear, and he underwent surgery ten days later.
Step-by-step recovery
It’s been almost ten months away from the team. In June, during the Premier League offseason, Gabriel continued his rehab work. In recent weeks, he’s stepped up his physical and strength training and started doing individual ball exercises, the final stage before returning to full match fitness.
This is the second knee surgery of the forward’s career. In December 2022, during the World Cup, he had surgery on his right knee after suffering a partial ligament injury in Brazil’s match against Cameroon. At the time, Gabriel spent one hundred days sidelined before being cleared to play again.
Context at Arsenal
When Gabriel Jesus is ready to return, he’ll find Arsenal in great form. The team sits at the top of the Premier League, six points ahead of second-place Manchester City, and holds the second-best record in the Champions League. Their performances have been consistent, even with several players out due to injuries.
The medical department still has some key names under treatment. Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard are dealing with knee issues, Gabriel Martinelli is recovering from a knock, Viktor Gyökeres has a muscle problem, and Martin Zubimendi remains in recovery, with the club not disclosing the details.
Gabriel’s return is considered important because it expands Mikel Arteta’s attacking options during a busy stretch of fixtures and with a short-handed squad. The forward rejoins the group at a time when Arsenal are competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League, tournaments that demand rotation and tactical flexibility.