Jesus added to Arsenal's Champions League squad

The Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus has now joined Arsenal's Champions League roster, marking a key stage in his much anticipated comeback from injury.

He has been absent from Arsenal's lineup since January, following a knee problem he sustained in an FA Cup game versus Manchester United.

Now 28, he has resumed training and served as an unused bench option in the team's latest fixtures against Chelsea and Brentford.

Following an ankle issue for Arsenal's young winger Max Dowman during an under-21 game over the weekend, Jesus has taken his place in the Champions League group ahead of the upcoming Wednesday encounter with Club Brugge in Belgium.

"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," read a message from Arsenal's official site.

This development comes as welcome news for manager Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, especially after sidelining injuries to Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz led to deploying Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino up front.

Arsenal hold the lead in the Premier League table, even after their recent defeat to Aston Villa, and they lead the Champions League group standings with a run of five straight victories.

Dowman, now excluded from the Champions League roster, cannot feature for Arsenal in UEFA events before February 6.