Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta surprised everyone on Friday with a powerful and emotional message during his press conference. His team is fighting hard in the Premier League title race, but injuries have hit the club harder than ever this season. When asked about possibly selling Gabriel Jesus in January, Arteta gave an answer that instantly became the headline of the day.
Arteta’s reply was direct and sharp. It showed how serious the situation is inside the club. He made it clear that Gabriel Jesus is staying at Arsenal, no matter what happens in the winter transfer window. There was no hesitation in his voice and no room for debate.
This strong reaction came as Arsenal prepare to face Wolves on Saturday evening. Normally, a match between the league leaders and the bottom club would look easy, but Arsenal cannot afford to relax. The injury situation has created pressure, and Arteta knows every point matters.
The injury list is long and worrying. Up to eight players could miss the match, including attacker Kai Havertz, who remains on the sidelines. Leandro Trossard is doubtful as well. The Christmas period is known to be the toughest part of the season, and this year it feels even heavier for Arteta’s squad.
Because of this, the return of Gabriel Jesus feels like a rescue. Jesus missed 11 months after suffering a serious knee injury. It was a long and emotional recovery. Many fans wondered whether he would come back the same player. But this week, he stepped on the pitch again, and everything changed.
Jesus made his return during Arsenal’s 3–0 Champions League win over Club Brugge. He came off the bench with the same fire, confidence, and energy he had before his injury. Arteta praised him immediately, saying Jesus showed his value “in the first minute that he was available to play.”
The return could not have come at a better time for Arsenal. They need his goals, his movement, and his leadership. The Premier League title race is tight, with only two points separating Arsenal and Manchester City. In moments like this, a team needs all its best players.
This is why a reporter’s question about selling Jesus in January felt out of place. Arteta reacted quickly:
“No, I don’t consider that, especially with the situation that we have right now.”
He then added more praise, saying:
“I think Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team and he’s proven that straight away. He’s put so much to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us.”
Arteta also confirmed that Jesus can compete with Viktor Gyokeres for the main striker role. He said with confidence:
“Yes. A player of his quality, a player that has given us so much… He comes with the energy that he came the other day. He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that. That’s for sure.”
Jesus did not hide his emotions either. After the Brugge match, he spoke openly about how hard the past year has been.
“So with 11 months of helping myself and then feeling scared to come back different, maybe with some limitations, just to walk outside and then play with the boys, I’m so pleased,” he said.
“I feel more than ready. So, I’m here to say God saved my life.”
These words touched many Arsenal supporters. They showed how deep the injury had affected him, and how grateful he is to be back on the pitch.
Arsenal will need him as they head into a tough series of matches, including Wolves, Everton, Brighton, and Aston Villa. In between these league games, they also have a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. It is a packed schedule, and every game feels important.
Despite Wolves sitting bottom of the Premier League with only two points from 15 matches, Arteta refused to underestimate them. He said every Premier League game is dangerous, especially against teams fighting for survival.
“I know the manager really well and how he’s going to push and get the players ready to do that,” Arteta explained.
“So from our side, we’re going to go full gas from the beginning because we know what we have to do.”
Arteta’s confidence is clear, but so is the pressure. The injuries have changed the atmosphere around Arsenal. Every training session and every match feels heavier. There is no room for mistakes.
But the return of Jesus brings hope. His energy lifts the team, and his presence gives Arsenal another weapon in front of goal. His story of recovery also inspires the players who are still injured, reminding them that they can return stronger.
As Arsenal move forward, fans will be watching closely. The biggest question is whether Jesus can help pull the team through this difficult period. If he does, his return might become one of the most important turning points of Arsenal’s season.
One thing is sure: Arteta believes in him completely. And now, with his comeback finally complete, Jesus believes in himself too.
