Gabriel Jesus has been included in Arsenal’s Champions League squad as he nears a long-awaited return from injury.
The Brazil striker has not featured for the Gunners since January, when he suffered a knee injury during an FA Cup tie against Manchester United. He has been back in training and was an unused substitute in recent Premier League matches against Chelsea and Brentford.
With teenage winger Max Dowman sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury in an under-21 match last weekend, Jesus has been added to Arsenal’s UEFA squad in time for Wednesday’s Group Stage fixture against Club Brugge in Belgium.
“Gabriel Jesus has replaced Max Dowman on our UEFA A list with immediate effect. Therefore, Gabby is eligible to play in our match against Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday night,” Arsenal confirmed on their official website.
Jesus’s return provides a timely boost for manager Mikel Arteta, who has had to rely on Spain midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift central striker following injuries to Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.
Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League despite last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa and are also in strong position in their Champions League group after five successive victories.
As a result of his injury, Dowman has been removed from the UEFA squad and will not be eligible to feature in European competition for Arsenal until February 6.
