Gabriel Jesus scores again at Arsenal and puts pressure on Ancelotti before being called up for the Brazilian team By Thiago Lemos
4 min read
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Gabriel Jesus is experiencing a moment of reaffirmation in his career and his recent numbers at Após overcoming a serious ligament rupture in his left knee, the center forward regained his confidence and found the net in the 4-0 rout of Wigan, valid for FA Cup. Esse performance places the player as a strong candidate on the list that coach Carlo Ancelotti is preparing for the next international commitments in March.
The striker officially returned to the pitch on December 10, during the Champions League match against Club Brugge, after 11 months of intensive recovery. Desde then, he participated in 17 games in the European season, accumulating five goals and two assists, being a fundamental part of Mikel Arteta’s scheme. The efficiency demonstrated in English football equates his statistics to those of other athletes who were regularly called upon to wear the yellow jersey.
—Arsenal (@Arsenal)February 15, 2026
Tight competition for the center forward spot
The fight for the number 9 shirt position in Seleção Brasileira is open and includes names that play at a high level in the main leagues in Europa. Gabriel Jesus has scored five goals since his return, the same number recorded by Igor Jesus, a highlight of Nottingham Forest, and Matheus Cunha, of Manchester United. Ambos competitors also have one assistance each in the same period, which creates a scenario of technical equality for the analysis of Ancelotti.
The balance between candidates for the vacancy demonstrates that regularity in the coming weeks will be the determining factor for the final call. Enquanto Jesus regains its space in the Arsenal, its direct competitors maintain a stable goal average in the Premier League and in continental tournaments such as the Europa League. The Italian coach is closely observing these performances to decide who will have the mission of leading the Brazilian attack in the luxury friendlies in the Estados Unidos.
João Pedro leads statistics among those called up
Although the dispute is even among the majority, João Pedro, from Chelsea, emerges with higher numbers in the cut-off that started in December. The Blues striker scored eight goals and distributed five assists, easily surpassing the offensive productivity of his direct rivals in the Inglaterra. Essa performance puts the player in a comfortable position, while the others try to increase their direct participation in goals to convince the coaching staff.
- João Pedro (Chelsea): 8 goals and 5 assists
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal): 5 goals and 2 assists
- Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest): 5 goals and 1 assist
- Matheus Cunha (Manchester United): 5 goals and 1 assist
- Richarlison (Tottenham): 1 goal and 1 assist
Decisive calendar for the future in Arsenal
Arsenal’s next games will be essential for Gabriel Jesus to consolidate its title and prove that it is fully physically recovered. The London team will have direct clashes against Wolverhampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, in addition to decisive commitments in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Manter the average number of goals in these high-intensity matches is the shortest way to guarantee a definitive return to the national team.
Internal competition in the Gunners is also a challenge, as the Swedish Victor Gyokeres is the team’s current top scorer with 13 goals. Gabriel Jesus needs to make the most of every minute on the field to show that his versatility and experience in Copas from Mundo are valuable differentiators. The player knows that the visibility of the Premier League is an important asset to remain on the radar of the Brazilian technical team.
Physical situation of Richarlison worries the commission
One of the names on the call-ups, Richarlison is experiencing a moment of uncertainty due to recurring physical problems in Tottenham. The striker has scored just once since December and has been sidelined with a muscle injury since January 17th. Sua’s presence at Data FIFA in March is considered uncertain, which opens a direct gap for Gabriel Jesus to regain its place in the main group.
The absence of an absolute starter in the offensive sector increases the pressure on the players who are active and with a good game rhythm. Ancelotti has prioritized athletes who deliver not only goals, but also intense movement and defensive support, hallmarks of Jesus’s style of play. The recovery of the Arsenal center forward happens at a strategic moment, precisely when the options for the sector present fluctuations or medical problems.
Friendlies in the Estados Unidos are final tests
Seleção Brasileira will take the field on March 26th and 31st to face França and Croácia, respectively, on American soil. Estas matches are seen as the last big test before the announcement of the official list for the Copa of the 2026 Mundo.
The clashes against European powers will serve to adjust the final tactical details and define the group that will seek a sixth world championship. Atuar in Foxborough and Orlando will allow the coach to evaluate how the center forwards perform against solid, well-structured defenses. Para Gabriel Jesus, wearing hopscotch in these friendlies would represent the culmination of a long and difficult process of return after knee surgery.
Technical evolution after return from serious injury
Gabriel Jesus demonstrated remarkable tactical evolution under the command of Mikel Arteta, acting both centrally and floating on the wings. Essa’s ability to adapt pleases Carlo Ancelotti, who seeks collective and dynamic football for Seleção Brasileira in its new cycle. The striker has managed to withstand the load of Premier League games without presenting new physical complaints, which was the main doubt among sports analysts.
