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Arsenal announced Gabriel Jesus’s registration for the UEFA Champions League on December 9, 2025. The Brazilian forward replaced injured youngster Max Dowman on the UEFA A list. This move allowed Jesus to participate immediately, including the upcoming match against Club Brugge.
Dowman sustained an ankle injury during Arsenal’s U21 game against Manchester United. The 16-year-old academy prospect twisted his ankle badly in the second half. Medical staff ruled him out for several weeks. Arsenal shifted Dowman to the UEFA B list in January, but regulations prevented him from playing in UEFA competitions until February 6.
Jesus expressed excitement about his return. He posted on social media, thanking fans for their support. The 28-year-old striker missed the initial squad registration due to fitness concerns and squad depth. Arsenal prioritized other forwards like Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz earlier in the season.
This development boosted Arsenal’s attacking options. The Gunners sat second in the Champions League league phase. They secured four wins from five matches, scoring 11 goals without conceding. Jesus’s experience added depth amid a packed fixture list.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Jesus’s resilience. He highlighted the forward’s work ethic in training. Arteta noted Jesus’s versatility across the front line. The coach planned to integrate him gradually to avoid re-injury.
