Leonardo de Sá
Gabriel Jesus he was once again decisive at a high level and, more than the goals, he was once again an option. After a llong period away from the fieldo attacker do Arsenal is experiencing a moment of technical and physical recoverycrowned with a standout performance in the Champions League. The performance reignites discussions about its place in European football and, naturally, about a possible return to the Brazilian teamin a still undefined scenario in the center forward position.
In Arsenal’s victory over Inter Milan, this Tuesday, the 20th, in the league phase of the Champions League, the Brazilian scored two goals and was central to the result. It was the first time in more than two years that Gabriel Jesus found the net in the main European competition, ending a fast that had lasted since November 2023, when he scored against Lens.
Gradual return and impact
Gabriel Jesus only returned to acting in December, after being sidelined since January 2025 due to a serious injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. Therefore, it took around ten months of recovery, including surgery and a cautious process of reintegration into the squad led by Mikel Arteta. Since then, the Brazilian language has been used gradually, but already presents relevant numbers.
So that, since returning, the striker has four direct appearances in goals — three balls in the net and an assist — in a short space of time. Against Inter, he opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the first half and scored again in the 31st minute, after the Italians equalized. After the match, Arteta highlighted the Brazilian’s impact.
We were missing Gabi a lot. This increases his and the team’s confidence. Now we have different profiles in this position, just like we do with the wingers. It only makes us better.
ARTETA
Undefined scenario in selection
The good phase replaces Gabriel Jesus in the debate involving the Brazilian team. The striker has not been called up since November 2023, and was left out of the entire following period because of the injury. Under the command of Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil has shown constant variations in the offensive sector. The coach has already tested names like Matheus Cunha, as well as adaptations with Vini Jr. and Rodrygo acting more centrally.
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A turnover has been a hallmarkand uncertainty remains on the eve of an important cycle, with the 2026 World Cup scheduled to start on June 11th. Gabriel Jesus runs outsidebut remains on Ancelotti’s radar. The player himself has already shown interest in wearing the national team shirt again and knows that his performance at Arsenal will be decisive. In an open scenario still under construction, the physical recovery and the immediate impact in big games replace the attacker as a real alternative — still without guarantees, but once again present in the discussion.
