Martinelli Details His Support for Jesus' ACL Recovery Journey

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli discussed his role in facilitating fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus' return from a severe knee injury.

By Chris Posiano

December 25, 2025 at 3:50 AM

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Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has opened up about his role in assisting teammate Gabriel Jesus through his lengthy recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Jesus, who sustained the injury in January, made his long-awaited return to action earlier this month in a Champions League match against Club Brugge.

The Brazilian striker, who spent nearly a year on the sidelines, came on as a substitute in the latter stages of the game and impressed with his performance. Reflecting on his return, Jesus shared his emotional journey with Arsenal.com, expressing his gratitude for the support he received and his readiness to contribute to the team once again.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his delight at seeing Jesus back in action, highlighting the striker's unique qualities and the positive impact he has on the team.

Martinelli, who has his own experience with knee issues, played a significant part in Jesus' recovery process. The winger shared his insights and offered support to his compatriot during the challenging period. Speaking to Sky Sports, Martinelli revealed, "I had some issues with my meniscus a few years ago, and I know it's not easy to be out for that long. When I had the chance to be around him, I was there. I tried to be with him to talk because I know it's a hard time.

Jesus, who has been eased back into competitive football, started in Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace. As he looks to regain his form and fitness, Arsenal will be hoping that he can continue to make a significant contribution to the team. Arteta emphasized Jesus' ability to connect with his teammates and create uncertainty for opposing teams, qualities that make him a valuable asset.

Despite speculation about his future, Jesus has made it clear that he intends to stay at Arsenal and fulfill his ambitions with the club. In a recent interview, he discussed his desire to win titles and make a lasting impact at the Emirates Stadium.