Gabriel Jesus has set his sights on regaining his place in Brazil’s World Cup squad, with his recent form for Arsenal outstripping that of his club teammates. The 28-year-old striker last featured for Brazil in November 2023, his 64th cap, but is now eyeing a return as he battles back from a serious knee injury.
Jesus missed nearly a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2025, returning to Arsenal’s first team in December. Since then, he has played 18 matches, starting six, and scored five goals with two assists in 675 minutes. His rate of a goal involvement every 96 minutes is better than any other Arsenal player, highlighting his enduring efficiency as a central striker.
The striker faces stiff competition for a place in Brazil’s squad, with Carlo Ancelotti able to call on Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Joao Pedro of Chelsea, and Tottenham’s Richarlison. However, the central striker role remains open, and Jesus’s experience, quality, and winning mentality could give him an edge. He was key at the last World Cup before injury curtailed his involvement.
Arteta insisted in January that Jesus would not leave the club before summer, noting his positive influence in the dressing room. Jesus’s contract runs until 2027, and he has shown his big-game ability with a man-of-the-match performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League, scoring twice. His form in Europe has been consistently strong throughout his career.
Brazil’s last major title came in July 2019, a tournament in which Jesus scored, provided an assist, and was sent off. Now fully fit and sharp, he hopes to force his way back into the national team setup ahead of this summer’s World Cup, a goal that also benefits Arsenal as he pushes to return to his best.
