Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian forward for Arsenal, has opened up about his persistent struggle with pain during football matches. He admitted that he cannot remember the last time he played without feeling discomfort. Jesus believes it is unfair to compare him to other strikers like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, as his role as a forward often differs from that of a traditional center forward.
Throughout the season, Jesus has played as a No 9 for Arsenal, but he has also been utilized on the wings by manager Mikel Arteta. In recent matches, he has been played off the left with Kai Havertz up front. Earlier in the season, Jesus played as a right winger in a 1-0 win over Manchester City. Despite being played in different positions, Jesus remains committed to doing what the manager asks of him to help the team succeed.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of context when discussing him in comparison to other players. Both Kane and Haaland have impressive goal-scoring records this season, with Kane scoring 38 goals for Bayern and Haaland scoring 82 goals in 89 games for City. However, Jesus believes they are different types of players, with a stronger presence in the box compared to his own drifting style of play. He understands that people often focus on the result and whether he has scored or not, but he refuses to complain and always shares his opinion when asked.
In addition to his positional versatility, Jesus has also faced fitness challenges since joining Arsenal from City in 2022. He suffered a three-month knee issue during the 2022 World Cup with Brazil, which has led to multiple absences throughout the season due to knee and hamstring injuries. Despite experiencing pain in his knee, Jesus remains determined to recover well and contribute to the team.
Jesus’ recent return to fitness is a positive development for Arsenal, as several key players have also returned from injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Thomas Partey have strengthened the team’s bench, with only Jurrien Timber remaining unavailable for minutes. Jesus brings valuable experience to the young Arsenal squad, having previously played in Champions League knockout matches and boasting an impressive record of 24 goals and seven assists in 44 appearances in the competition.
Overall, Gabriel Jesus continues to fight through persistent pain and adapt to different positions on the field for Arsenal. Despite the challenges he faces, he remains dedicated to helping the team succeed and showcases his abilities whenever given the chance. As Arsenal prepares for their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, Jesus’ determination and versatility will be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.