Gabriel Jesus has confirmed he’s “feeling great” as he works to recover from an ACL injury, but he’s planning to look after himself better in training once he’s fit again.
There have been positive reports around Gabriel Jesus’ fitness in recent weeks, with suggestions he might be able to return to full training and match action earlier than his previous scheduled comeback date of January 2026.
Speaking to Arsenal.com this week, Jesus confirmed that things are going well for him at the moment, and he’s excited for the next steps.
“I’m feeling great, man,” Jesus 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.”
Yet the 28-year-old suggested his injury has also changed his approach to football somewhat, and he’s realised how important it is to take your foot off the gas at the right moments.
“You need to look after yourself even more,” Jesus added. “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.
“I’m a winner and it will always be like this. I go out there to win the games and to train hard. But obviously you need control.”
The good news for Jesus on that front is that he now has both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres to share minutes with, as well as Mikel Merino when necessary. There’s really no need for the Brazilian striker to be pushing to play every single second.
It should be easier than it ever has been for Jesus to manage his fitness and apply himself at the right times. If he does, both player and club could reap the rewards.