Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of pre-season as one injured star has ramped up his recovery.
Mikel Arteta will be glad to see the back of the 2024/25 campaign after Arsenal’s injury crisis, but the Gunners’ woes did not end simply because the season did.
Jurrien Timber underwent surgery to resolve a problem, joining Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.
It’s thought that the two Brazilians will miss the start of the 2025/26 season; however, the latter is working tirelessly to return to action as soon as possible.
Gabriel Jesus ramps up injury recovery with Palmeiras
The timing of Jesus’ ACL injury was agonising, as after a lengthy goal drought, the 2022 signing finally started to show form.
Just as the 28-year-old’s confidence started to grow, he was halted in his tracks, sustaining a severe knee injury that meant yet more surgery for the former Manchester City ace.
Though pre-season is out of reach for Jesus, the Brazilian shared an update on his recovery on social media, posting photos of himself in the gym on Instagram.
Wearing an Arsenal training shirt, the striker was hard at work at Palmeiras’ gym, the club that wanted to sign him last summer.
Palmeiras dreamed of signing Jesus after bidding farewell to their forward in 2017 as he joined Manchester City.
Interestingly, Jesus has made it known that he’d like to return to Palmeiras one day, but not until his time playing in Europe is up.
It’s not the first time that Arsenal’s number nine has returned to his boyhood club, as Jesus was with Palmeiras in May to focus on his recovery.
Surrounded by home comforts, the four-time Premier League winner is on the right path, pushing towards his return to grass, where he will be desperate to continue where he left off.
Mikel Arteta has a decision to make with Jesus
Though the idea of Palmeiras re-signing Jesus is considered a dream by Brazilian outlet BolaVIP, a rare opportunity could arise sooner than expected.
Arsenal might be tempted to loan the forward out once he returns from his lengthy spell on the sidelines, as regular game time is essential to rebuild.
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 26 | 24 | 11 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 27 | 17 | 4 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
Jesus will be wary of Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker, which could prompt the ex-Man City star to consider his options for a potential loan; however, there’s no indication that Arteta would be willing to part ways with his forward.
It’s expected that Jesus will remain at Arsenal this summer as he continues his recovery, but what the future holds for the 28-year-old is uncertain.
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