Gabriel Jesus’s long road to recovery: a look at his ACL rehabilitation journey

The confirmation that Gabriel Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee represents a devastating blow for Arsenal, particularly in the midst of a demanding campaign.

For the Brazilian striker, this marks the beginning of a challenging and carefully managed recovery process designed to restore full fitness while minimising long-term risks.

The injury and initial surgery

The ACL is a vital stabiliser of the knee joint, and injuries to it are not only painful but also significantly debilitating for athletes, especially those whose careers depend on explosive movement, agility, and balance. In Jesus’s case, extensive assessments, scans, and specialist reviews confirmed the rupture, necessitating surgical intervention.

The surgery, expected to occur this week, if it hasn’t already, will involve reconstructing the torn ligament using a graft, often sourced from the hamstring, patellar tendon, or a donor.

The immediate aftermath: regaining mobility

The initial phase of Jesus’s recovery will focus on reducing swelling, managing pain, and protecting the surgical site. His knee will likely be immobilised temporarily before he transitions to light movement under supervision. The goal is to prevent complications such as joint stiffness, infection and muscle atrophy.

Physical therapy will begin almost immediately, with emphasis on gentle range-of-motion exercises. Arsenal’s medical team will work closely with specialists to customise his rehabilitation programme.

Rebuilding strength and stability

As the swelling subsides and mobility improves, Jesus will enter the second phase of his recovery. This involves rebuilding the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, to restore strength and support. Core stability exercises will also play a crucial role, as a stable core is essential for dynamic athletic movements.

During this stage, Jesus will likely engage in hydrotherapy, where water resistance aids in low-impact strengthening.

Resistance training and controlled weight-bearing exercises will gradually be introduced to ensure a safe progression.

Neuromuscular retraining: the return of confidence

A significant aspect of modern ACL recovery is neuromuscular retraining. Athletes recovering from ACL injuries often experience a loss of proprioception, or the ability to sense the position and movement of their limbs. This can lead to hesitation and reduced performance post-recovery.

Through cutting-edge techniques, including balance drills, agility exercises, and sport-specific simulations, Jesus will work to regain confidence in his knee. Arsenal’s use of advanced motion analysis technology will likely track his progress in real-time, ensuring his movements meet with pre-injury standards.

The psychological dimension

Recovering from an ACL injury is as much a psychological challenge as a physical one. For a player of Jesus’s calibre, the fear of re-injury can be a significant mental hurdle. Arsenal’s support team, including psychologists, will provide guidance to help him manage expectations, maintain motivation, and visualise a successful return.

Mikel Arteta and Jesus’s teammates will also play a pivotal role in keeping the striker mentally engaged.

The timeline for return

While every recovery is unique, ACL rehabilitation generally spans 6-9 months.

For a footballer, the timeline can extend further to ensure full match fitness. The focus will not solely be on returning but on returning better prepared to handle the rigours of elite competition.

Arteta acknowledged the challenge of replacing Jesus in the short term but emphasised the club’s commitment to supporting the player’s recovery. Arteta said. “Our priority is to ensure Gabby has all the resources to come back stronger.”