Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s dynamic Brazilian striker, has opened up about his ongoing battle with knee injuries.
His persistent discomfort has hindered his ability to perform consistently, yet his commitment to Arsenal remains clear. As the club eyes additional strikers this summer, Jesus faces a crucial period where he must prove his fitness.
Gabriel Jesus is no stranger to the frustration of injury setbacks. For the second consecutive season, the Brazilian striker has faced knee problems that have disrupted his rhythm and stopped him from reaching his full potential at Arsenal. Despite the setbacks, Jesus remains determined to contribute and prioritise the team’s success.
“I don’t want to talk about my fitness… but after the World Cup, I had that injury in the knee,” Jesus said, reflecting on his ongoing challenges. “I’m just trying to get fit and help Arsenal as soon and as much as I can, but unfortunately, I’ve had problems this season. I hope next season, I don’t have it.”
While acknowledging the lingering pain, Jesus refuses to let it define him. “Sometimes I feel it, but I don’t remember the last day I played football without pain so I cannot complain. I’m just trying to recover good to be ready for the next game and that’s it. Mentally, I try to keep strong in my mind to help the team,” he added.
With Kai Havertz‘s success as a central striker, Jesus has been shifted to the wing. Although his preference is to play Havertz’s role, he understands the importance of putting the team above personal desires.
“The last two games, I try to help the team,” he said. “In this part of the season, you don’t have to think about yourself, you know. You have to think about what’s the best for the team, so I’m trying to do it but it’s not easy.
“If you play football, you know what I’m talking about but I just want to win so I want to be on the pitch of course. But like I said, in this part of the season, you have to put away your ego and then try to help the team in the best way.”
Jesus emphasised the collective effort within the squad, praising the work ethic of fellow strikers Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz. He recognises the increased competition but remains focused on helping the team succeed, regardless of his role.
“I just help in the best way, and then do what the manager asks, wants, and then help the team in the best way.
“Obviously it’s not easy for, but not only for me, but for Eddie [Nketiah] as well. Eddie, if you see the way he works, it’s unbelievable. And Kai is amazing, having amazing games, scoring, and helping a lot.
“That’s the price you have to pay to be in a huge club. You have to fight to play.
“If you want to play, the best way is to try to help when you get a chance or, like in my case, the manager wants me to play as a winger.”
While there’s no indication Arsenal plans to move Jesus on this summer, he’s aware of the potential for the club to sign another striker. “They already know if they want one or not,” he admitted. Judging by the relentless rumours, Arsenal are clearly looking for a striker.