Gabriel Jesus steps up training, eager for pitch return

After being sidelined for nine months due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee, Gabriel Jesus is preparing to return to the pitch in 2025. The Brazilian has been intensifying his physical and strength training, impressing the Arsenal coaching staff with his progress.

The English club has not yet set a date for his return, but the expectation is that the striker will be available to coach Mikel Arteta between the end of November and the beginning of December.

This past Tuesday, in an interview with Arsenal’s official channels during the pre-match coverage, the Brazilian spoke about this delicate moment. “This is the biggest injury I’ve ever had in my life, and it happened when I was living my best moment off the pitch,” he said. “I was preparing well, relaxing, eating well, sleeping well, recovering well, and then it happened. That’s why I say we couldn’t have expected this.”

Jesus, however, made it clear that he is feeling “great” and that his knee has been responding well to activities. “Now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a bit because I’m doing a great job off the pitch, but it’s complicated because I need to make sure I don’t rush too much to cross the line,” he commented.

The striker also said he is eager to return, but emphasized the importance of maintaining control during the recovery process. “That’s what I’m thinking about now. I need to control my training, because I’m a player who always gives 100% on the field. If you don’t manage it properly, it can be a problem.”

Gabriel Jesus’ injury happened just as the player was experiencing one of his best moments last season. The number 9 had regained his spot as a starter and had scored six goals in four matches. However, in January this year, during the match against Manchester United in the FA Cup, he suffered the injury in a challenge with Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes. The striker had to undergo surgery and has been recovering ever since.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.