Jesus ready to boost Arsenal amid long-awaited return

ARSENAL striker Gabriel Jesus admitted he suffered almost a year of self-doubt but insisted he can come back better than ever from his injury nightmare.

The Brazilian was back in an Arsenal shirt for the first time in 332 days during his side’s 3-0 Champions League victory at Club Brugge on Wednesday.

Jesus, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, almost produced a dream comeback, only to see his late shot hit the crossbar.

However, the 28-year-old, who scored six goals in seven matches before his serious injury in an FA Cup third round defeat to Manchester United on January 12, revealed the road to recovery was rocky.

“It was 11 months, 11 months of self-doubt,” he said, reflecting on his time on the sidelines. “My first thoughts were: why? You always keep wondering why and why.

“It wasn’t an easy season for me last season and then the moment I came in and started playing, I started scoring goals and playing (finally), it happened.”

Jesus’ return will be a welcome boost for manager Mikel Arteta, who was unable to field eight players in Belgium due to injury and illness.

Despite their selection woes, Arsenal still managed to secure a comfortable victory – their sixth in a row in Europe – to all but secure them an automatic place in the round of 16.

Jesus will likely be back in action tomorrow when Arsenal host Wolves, having seen Manchester City reduce their Premier League lead to just two points.

Asked if he could make a big difference to Arteta’s title-chasing side, Jesus added: “The clubs I’ve played for, I’ve played my part there and I always help in a good way. Obviously when you’re not playing it’s harder, I’m not going to lie.

“I’m not a kid anymore, I’m 28, that looks young, but Max (Dowman) is 15, Ethan (Nwaneri) is 18, Myles (Lewis-Skelly) is 19. More than experience, I can bring a bit of difference to the players we have.

“In my career, I have had incredible moments, I have won incredible titles. I have already held incredible positions with clubs, and even with Arsenal.

“Unfortunately we haven’t won anything yet, but just to come to Arsenal and then help, like everyone else, to make Arsenal challenge for titles again, that makes me happy.”