By Comfort Asemota
Gabriel Jesus Arsenal Champions League Return: Brazil Star Added to UCL Squad for Club Brugge Clash
**Gabriel Jesus** is officially back in Arsenal’s **Champions League squad** as the Brazilian striker completes his long-awaited comeback from a serious knee injury sustained in January.
The 28-year-old forward, who has not featured since Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United nearly 11 months ago, has now been registered on the **UEFA A-list** list with immediate effect — replacing injured teenage sensation **Max Dowman** ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial **Arsenal vs Club Brugge** UEFA Champions League group stage fixture in Belgium.
Arsenal confirmed the squad update on their official website:
> “Gabriel Jesus has replaced Max Dowman on our UEFA A list with immediate effect. Therefore, Gabby is eligible to play in our match against Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday night.”
### Why This is Huge for Mikel Arteta
– Jesus has returned to full training and was an unused substitute in recent Premier League wins over Chelsea and Brentford
– Arsenal have been hit hard by injuries to key forwards **Kai Havertz** and **Viktor Gyökeres**, forcing Mikel Merino to play as an emergency No.9
– The Gunners currently sit **top of the Premier League** (despite the recent loss to Aston Villa) and are in **pole position in the Champions League group stage** with **five consecutive Champions League wins**
### Max Dowman Out Until February
16-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman, who became Arsenal’s youngest-ever European debutant earlier this season, suffered an ankle injury in an U21 match and has been removed from the UCL squad. He will not be eligible again until **February 6, 2026**.
Gabriel Jesus’ return provides a massive timely boost for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal chase silverware on multiple fronts this season.
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