Gabriel Jesus sauntered off the substitutes’ bench and straight back into the hearts of the Arsenal fans. After 11 months on the sidelines, the 28-year-old Brazilian striker returned to first-team action during the second half of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Viktor Gyökeres' critics to "leave him alone" -- despite admitting the £64 million ($86m) striker needs to start scoring.

GABRIEL JESUS has been doubting himself for the last 11 months. But there is certainly no doubt that Arsenal have missed the Brazilian striker and fittingly, Jesus is back in time for Christmas.

Jesus was initially not part of Arsenal's squad for the league phase of the competition but has now replaced Max Dowman.

Mikel Arteta hailed "magic" Noni Madueke following his impressive brace in Arsenal's 3-0 win against Club Brugge, in which Gabriel Jesus returned from injury.

Gabriel Jesus has been tipped to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window amid growing competition for places at the club. The striker recently returned to full fitness after spending approximately a year on the treatment table and is now vying with Viktor Gyokeres for game time.

Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Champions League - Gunners are without Declan Rice for Champions League showdown in Brugge

The teenager has been replaced in the Champions League squad by the now-fit Gabriel Jesus after suffering an injury.