By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night delivered more than just three points; it marked the emotionally charged, long-awaited return of striker Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward, 28, stepped onto the pitch as a second-half substitute, making his first competitive appearance for the Gunners in nearly a year following a serious knee injury.
A Triumphant Return After 11 Months
Jesus entered the fray just after the hour mark, replacing Viktor Gyokeres, and immediately injected his trademark energy into the Arsenal attack. His comeback was significant, as it followed a rigorous 11-month rehabilitation period after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during an FA Cup loss to Manchester United back in January.
Despite playing just 28 minutes, Jesus was a constant threat, striking the crossbar with a late shot. More importantly, he looked physically and mentally recovered.
Speaking after the game, Jesus opened up about the role his faith played in his recovery, admitting the journey was filled with self-doubt.
“It was 11 months, 11 months of doubting yourself,” he told Arsenal’s official channels. “Every single day for the first two or three weeks, I asked why it happened to me. And then I understood that I needed to be closer to Jesus, to God, to read the Bible. It helped me so much, you know, because it kept me believing that I’m a son of God and then I could do everything if I felt God’s plans. I’m here to say God saved my life.”
He continued: “If it was not for God, I’m 100 per cent sure I would not be here with this mentality, with this health, with this belief.”
Arteta Hails Jesus’s ‘Special Quality’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the impact of his returning star, highlighting the unique attributes Jesus brings to the squad.
“Gabby has a really special quality where he suddenly connects everybody around him and that’s something that we as a team need and it will make us better,” Arteta stated in his post-match press conference.
The victory in Belgium cemented Arsenal’s 100% record in the Champions League this season (six wins from six), with goals from Noni Madueke (2) and Gabriel Martinelli securing the 3-0 scoreline. Jesus’s return is a timely boost for the Premier League leaders as they head into a busy run of fixtures through the Christmas period.
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