Arsenal forward hails his ‘amazing achievement’ and reveals World Cup goal | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus believes his long road back to full fitness can yet lead to a remarkable international return with Brazil, after completing his first 90 minutes in more than a year during Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Wigan.

The striker marked the milestone with a goal and an energetic display that underlined his determination to force his way back into both Mikel Arteta’s plans and the Brazil squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

After over a year without playing 90 minutes, simply lasting the full match felt like a personal victory.

“I am in a good spot now,” Jesus said. “This was my first 90 minutes of the season. It is an amazing achievement for someone that was away for 11 months. A lot of players that had the same injury normally struggle a little bit to come back and play. Today I could play 90 minutes and run a lot. I am very, very happy.”

Arsenal controlled large parts of the tie and progressed comfortably, but Jesus admitted games against unfamiliar opposition can be unpredictable. “It is always tricky to play against a team that normally we don’t face a lot,” he said. “Obviously we could control them and play well on the ball because we have amazing qualities. We could win the game, which is the most important thing.”

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The match also offered the Brazilian his first chance to link up from the start with Viktor Gyokeres, and he highlighted the tactical flexibility that could make Arsenal’s forward line a decisive weapon as they chase success on multiple fronts this season.

“I like to be on the pitch, trying to play between the lines,” he explained. “I think I have the capacity to play in the four positions up front. To play with Vik or even Kai is good because one helps each other. Today it was nice to play together.”

That adaptability may prove crucial with Arsenal still competing across four competitions, a situation Jesus believes demands constant focus rather than talk of silverware. “We are aware that we are alive in all the competitions,” he said. “But we keep believing that we have to face it game by game. At the end of the season we will see where we are.”

On a personal level, the 27-year-old has not given up hope of returning to Brazil’s international stage after injury curtailed his previous World Cup involvement. “I keep believing that I still have a chance to go and show that I can help them,” he said. “If I keep playing when I get the chance here, then I can keep showing that I am able to help the team.”

Despite the growing excitement ahead of Sunday’s north London derby, Jesus insisted Arsenal’s attention remains fixed on the immediate challenge of Wolves in midweek. “We are not thinking about the derby,” he said. “Our focus is to go to Wolves and try to win three points. That’s it.”

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