Gabriel Jesus makes heartbreaking Arsenal injury admission after ‘neglecting’ wife and kids

Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has returned to action after almost one year out with a lengthy knee injury, where he has admitted how difficult he found it and the toll it has taken on his family.

Gabriel Jesus has paid tribute to his family after recently returning from a lengthy injury to help Arsenal with their Premier League title charge. The Brazilian suffered from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament problem in the clash with Manchester United back in January earlier this year.

After undergoing surgery, the forward began his long road back to recovery, which is usually set at a minimum of nine months for the average case. Jesus is no stranger to lengthy absences, having been plagued with them throughout his time at the Emirates Stadium so far, but the latest was a big blow, coming at a time when he found some form.

Now, after several months out, the 28-year-old is finally back and looking to make an impact for Mikel Arteta and the Gunners. The time out hasn't been easy, however, as the Arsenal star gave thanks to his family and vowed to step up for them in the future.

Writing for The Players' Tribune, he said: "I also have to thank God for my wife Raiane, because on the toughest days, she proved to be a true ride-or-die companion. When I could not even get up off the couch, Raiane would be running up and down the house fetching ice for my knee. In my darkest days, she was a mom, a nurse and my companion watching football.

"And I think as footballers, we can often neglect real life. Before my injury, I was definitely neglecting mine. I was not the husband or father that I needed to be. That’s just the truth."

It's a heartbreaking admission from the forward, as the time out of action gave him a moment to reflect on what he has around him. Now, back in action and perhaps with a new perspective, there is a feeling of renewal surrounding Jesus and the Arsenal side he steps into.

There have been doubts over whether Jesus has a future in north London, given the injury troubles and the recent attacking additions in the summer transfer window. Jesus has a deal until 2027, and with reports of interest back in Brazil, the possibility of an exit has been touted.

However, there is a steely determination from the former Manchester City man, who said: "One day, I would love for everything to come full circle with Palmeiras, but not today.

"I feel that I have unfinished business at Arsenal. I don’t want to leave. When I came here to join Mikel, my purpose was not only to score goals. My purpose was to win titles. When I came to the Premier League, I think most people’s reaction was, 'Oh? Who is this kid?'

"They looked at me as a pure goalscorer. But that’s not how I see myself. My strongest trait is that I will do whatever it takes to help the team win titles. At City, I played many roles. I shared the goal scoring load with Aguero sometimes.

"Other times, I played out on the wing. And other times, I used my physicality to link up play. I think that’s why Mikel brought me here, years ago. I don’t always need to be the number 9 to help the team. I am not still here for the weather, eh? I am here to make history."

The supporters have certainly seen glimpses in his cameo appearances so far that suggest there is some quality left in the tank. Fans were left impressed when he featured against Club Brugge, before helping to force an own-goal out of Yerson Mosquera in a late 2-1 win over Wolves.

With Viktor Gyokeres struggling to make an impression and Kai Havertz still injured, this could be the perfect time for Jesus to stake his claim.