Jesus makes Arsenal return after '11 months of self-doubt'

Gabriel Jesus revealed that he experienced "11 months of doubting yourself" after he made his return from injury for Arsenal.

The Brazilian suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January, but made his comeback in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Jesus made a strong impact off the bench, registering three shots, one of which crashed against the crossbar, and creating one chance in the away victory.

The forward scored six goals in his seven matches before suffering the injury in an FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United in January, which included a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup.

"It was 11 months, 11 months of doubting yourself," said Jesus as he reflected on his injury.

"My first thoughts were like, why? You always keep questioning why and the reason why.

"It wasn't an easy season for me last season, and then, at the moment I stepped in and started to play, started to score goals and play good, this happened.

"So 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."

Arsenal became just the fourth English side to win their first six games of a Champions League campaign after Liverpool in 2021-22, Manchester City in 2023-24, and Liverpool again in 2024-25.

The Gunners are also top of the Premier League as they search for their first top-flight title since the 2003-04 campaign.

Jesus believes he can still play a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s side this season, both on and off the pitch.

"The clubs I have played for, I had my role there, and I always help in a good way. Obviously, when you are not playing, it's more difficult. I'm not going to lie," Jesus added.

"I'm not a kid anymore, I'm 28, it sounds young, but Max [Dowman] is 15, Ethan [Nwaneri] is 18, Myles [Lewis-Skelly] is 19. More than experience, I can bring some difference to the players we have.

"In my career, I had amazing moments, I have won amazing titles. I have been in amazing positions with the clubs before, and even with Arsenal.

"Unfortunately, we did not win anything yet, but just to come to Arsenal and then help, like everyone else, to make Arsenal fight for the titles again, this makes me feel happy."