Arsenal’s injury woes have been a dark cloud over their bright ambitions since the start of the 2024/25 season. What began as a promising title chase slowly turned sour as key players fell to injury after injury, disrupting the team’s rhythm and denying fans what could’ve been a truly golden campaign. The Gunners’ bench became a revolving door of recovery updates and missed opportunities.
But now, in a surprising twist, there’s a flicker of hope on the horizon. One of Arsenal’s most beloved forwards, Gabriel Jesus — who many feared might never return after sustaining a career-threatening knee injury — has been spotted training again ahead of the Crystal Palace clash. That’s right: the Brazilian marksman has reappeared on the pitch, working closely with staff and sharpening his shooting skills.
Jesus’ injury, suffered during a fierce January battle with Manchester United, was a brutal blow. He had just rediscovered his lethal touch, netting five goals in back-to-back games against Crystal Palace and looking every inch the confident striker Arsenal needed. Then came the devastating setback — surgery, rehabilitation, and months in the shadows, far from the spotlight he once commanded.
However, the clouds seem to be parting. On his Instagram story, Jesus shared a video of himself drilling shots with intensity, captioning it simply: “Last Push.” Those two words say everything — the fight, the persistence, and the sheer hunger to get back where he belongs. His movements looked sharp, his focus unshaken. The signs are promising.
Arteta had initially hinted that Jesus might not return until December or January, but the footage suggests a possible earlier comeback. The manager, known for his cautious approach with recovering players, will no doubt monitor every step closely. Still, it’s clear that Jesus is eager to remind everyone that he’s far from finished.
Yet, as poetic as his return may be, the reality of Arsenal’s current setup adds a twist. Thierry Henry’s recent comment — admitting he had almost forgotten Jesus was still an Arsenal player — perfectly captures how long the forward’s absence has been felt. And with Viktor Gyokeres thriving up front and Kai Havertz nearing his own return, Jesus might find the starting lineup harder to reclaim than ever before.
Competition in attack is fierce, and Arteta’s system has evolved in Jesus’ absence. That doesn’t mean he’s out of the picture, but it does mean his path back to prominence might take patience — or even a change of scenery. If Arsenal receive a reasonable offer come January, it wouldn’t be surprising if the club considers letting him seek opportunities elsewhere.
Reports already link West Ham and Everton to the Brazilian, while interest from clubs across Europe continues to swirl. Whatever happens next, one thing is certain — Gabriel Jesus’ story at Arsenal isn’t over yet. Whether he fights his way back into Arteta’s plans or finds new beginnings elsewhere, his next chapter is just beginning to unfold.
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