Gabriel Jesus Is Targeting Return to Full Training and Full Action on or Before December

Arsenal supporters will be watching closely: Gabriel Jesus is reportedly aiming to return to full training and be available for first-team action on or before December. After a lengthy rehabilitation period following his ACL injury, the Brazilian forward appears determined to make a strong comeback in the second half of the season.

Jesus’s road back has been slow and painstaking. He suffered a serious knee injury in January during an FA Cup tie against Manchester United, which sidelined him for the remainder of last season and threatened his contributions early this campaign. The injury cast doubt over his immediate future and raised questions within the club about his durability and role going forward.

Yet recent reports suggest the striker is impressing Arsenal’s medical staff with his intensity, focus, and work ethic in recovery. Though he has not yet been cleared for full-team sessions, Jesus has been participating in controlled grass work, gradually increasing the demands on his body. These incremental steps are crucial to ensuring he does not suffer any setbacks.

According to the Mirror’s John Cross (as cited across outlets), despite earlier expectations that Jesus might not return until 2026, the club now believe a December return is within reach. (Daily Cannon – Arsenal news and gossip) If the forward can make it back to full training by then, it would represent a huge lift for Arsenal’s attacking options, especially given the demands of competing across domestic and European fronts.

If all goes to plan, Jesus would likely re-enter the fold midway through the Champions League group stage, offering Mikel Arteta a fresh weapon for the decisive matches ahead. His experience in Europe, ability to press, and knack for creating chances could provide a different dimension to Arsenal’s forward line — especially in tight fixtures where a moment of individual quality can turn the tide.

However, challenges remain. Returning from an ACL injury is never straightforward, and full readiness requires both physical strength and mental confidence. There is always a risk of relapse or overexertion, so the club will likely manage his minutes carefully at first. The coaching and medical teams will want to integrate him gradually, perhaps starting with substitute appearances before full starts.

Complicating matters, Arsenal are also expecting the return of Kai Havertz, who is edging closer to first-team training after knee surgery. (Daily Cannon – Arsenal news and gossip) The simultaneous recovery of both forwards offers exciting possibilities for squad depth — but also a test in balancing game time, especially if both are fit around December.

Meanwhile, other injured players such as Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke are still trending toward later returns. Reports indicate they are unlikely to be available until after the upcoming international break, which means Jesus’s December availability becomes all the more vital. (Daily Cannon – Arsenal news and gossip) Arsenal’s depth will be put under pressure if returns are staggered, so the timing of each comeback is crucial.

Fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see whether Jesus can reclaim his pre-injury form. At his best, he combined intelligent runs, link-up play, and finishing with defensive work rate — attributes that could help the Gunners remain competitive in multiple competitions. But the proof will come on the pitch, in real match conditions under physical stress.

Should Jesus succeed in returning by December, his arrival could inject fresh energy into Arsenal’s campaign. The psychological boost of having a fully fit, battle-tested striker back in the fold would be significant. His presence could also allow Arteta more flexibility in rotations, tactical setups, and rest periods for other key attackers.

For now, the club’s staff will be cautious. They know that rushing a player back prematurely can lead to setbacks. But with careful management, progressive load increases, and strong cooperation between medical, coaching, and fitness teams, a December return for Gabriel Jesus could become a reality rather than just a hope.

In the meantime, much depends on how the next few weeks of his rehabilitation go — whether there are any surprises or delays, and how quickly his body responds to escalating demands. But the message coming from inside Arsenal is clear: Jesus is targeting December. And if he reaches that goal, he may yet have a critical role to play in the Gunners’ push across competitions