2 min read
Football Insider

How Gabriel Martinelli Supported Gabriel Jesus Through ACL Recovery: A Heartfelt Journey

Discover the inspiring story of how Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli provided unwavering support to fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus during his ACL recovery. Explore the bond that transcended injuries, leading to a remarkable return to the pitch for Jesus.

How Gabriel Martinelli Supported Gabriel Jesus Through ACL Recovery: A Heartfelt Journey

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli explained how he helped fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus during his ACL recovery period. The Brazilian striker spent almost a year on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January this year. After recovering from the injury, Jesus returned to action in the Champions League earlier this month against Club Brugge.Earlier this month, Jesus finally returned to action for the Gunners after almost a year as he came on as a substitute in the club's Champions League fixture against Club Brugge. The Brazilian forward played for the final 30 minutes of the match but looked impressive on his return. Following his return to competitive football, Jesus had told Arsenal.com: "In the first three months, I had a lot of doubts in my head, and then I could be more focused on what God wants from me. Everyone was expecting me to score. and obviously, I wanted to score. I had some opportunities, but even with that, I'm so happy and so pleased, because to come back and then to have some touches that I had tonight, and then the way I could move, the way I could keep the ball. So with 11 months of helping myself and then feeling scared to come back different, maybe with some limitations, just to walk outside and then play with the boys, I'm so pleased. I feel more than ready. So, I'm here to say God saved my life."Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also pleased to welcome his star striker back, saying that the Brazilian has a "special quality".He added, "I think he brings something else, and I was really happy to see that. Gabi has a really special quality, which is that he suddenly connects everybody around him, and that’s something that we as a team need, and it will make us better. So happy for him, I think you can see how much we all love him. It's been a very, very difficult and long journey. For 11 months he's been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance with us is something really impressive and we're all delighted for him."Jesus' compatriot Martinelli played a key role during the striker's ACL recovery period, with the winger drawing on his own injury experiences to help his team-mate. Speaking to Sky Sports, Martinelli said: "I had some things with my meniscus as well a few years ago and I know it's not easy to be out for that long. When I had the opportunity to be around him, I was there. I tried to be with him to talk because I know it's a hard time, even though he's older than me, I tried to be close to him as well. He's one of the guys that when I was so young, I watched him on the TV playing for Palmeries in Brazil. "It's just three years difference, but he went to the first team so quick when he was 16. I was 12 or 13 and I was watching him, so I always tell him that. "It's really good to have him back and hopefully in the next games he can score and do well."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!After being eased back into action, Jesus started up front in Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday. The former Manchester City man will hope for more extended game time going forward.Incidentally, Arteta added on Jesus, "I think that's probably the biggest quality of Gabi, bringing people together, connecting with people and generating a lot of uncertainty in the opponent. When you see him, the amount of spaces that he is in involved in, that's his biggest quality. So we need to exploit that."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingJesus's future at Emirates Stadium has come under scrutiny as he has been linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan. Jesus, however, recently clarified his position that he wants to stay at Arsenal. In an interview with The Players' Tribune, the Selecao star said: "I feel that I have unfinished business at Arsenal. I don’t want to leave. People have asked, ‘Why don’t you just leave? Why don’t you go to Saudi? Or back home to Brazil?’ One day, I would love for everything to come full circle with Palmeiras, but not today."When I came here to join Mikel, my purpose was not only to score goals. My purpose was to win titles. When I came to the Premier League, I think most people’s reaction was, ‘Oh? Who is this kid?’ They looked at me as a pure goalscorer. But that’s not how I see myself."

1

The Road to Recovery: Gabriel Jesus' Triumph

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli shared the touching account of his role in assisting Gabriel Jesus during the striker's challenging ACL recovery phase. After nearly a year sidelined due to the anterior cruciate ligament injury, Jesus made a triumphant return to action with Arsenal, showcasing resilience and determination.

2

Team Unity and Belief: Mikel Arteta's Perspective

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his elation at Gabriel Jesus' return, highlighting the striker's unique qualities that elevate team morale. Arteta emphasized Jesus' ability to unite his teammates on and off the field, emphasizing the positive impact on the squad's dynamics.

3

Empathy and Support: Martinelli's Role in Jesus' Recovery

Gabriel Martinelli, drawing on his own injury experiences, extended unwavering support to Gabriel Jesus during his arduous recovery period. In a poignant gesture, Martinelli stood by his compatriot, offering guidance and camaraderie as they navigated the challenges of rehabilitation together.

4

Eager Return and Striving for Success: Gabriel Jesus' Determination

Gabriel Jesus, embracing his return to competitive football, expressed gratitude for the journey and the support received. Despite initial doubts and hurdles, Jesus emerged stronger and more determined to make an impact on the pitch, exemplifying resilience and unwavering faith in his abilities.

5

Future Prospects and Commitment to Arsenal

Amidst transfer speculations, Gabriel Jesus reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal, underlining his desire to achieve success and contribute to the team's pursuit of titles. With a clear focus on his aspirations and steadfast loyalty, Jesus remains dedicated to making a lasting impact at Emirates Stadium.

Published on Dec 24, 2025