Barcelona make Gabriel Jesus surprise star after Raphinha injury

Signed for €10 million, Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has turned a doubtful start at Barcelona into a headline‑making surge, netting four goals and providing an assist in seven La Liga outings after Raphinha’s injury, a stark contrast to his peripheral role at Arsenal.

Impact on the pitch

Jesus arrived in Catalonia after losing his place at Arsenal and was initially expected to serve as Raphinha’s backup. Within 234 minutes of action he has recorded four goals, averaging a strike every 58.5 minutes, and added a single assist, totalling five direct goal contributions.

The striker’s most recent display came on Saturday, when Barcelona thrashed Real Betis 5‑2 in the Spanish championship. He scored twice, although one was ruled out after a VAR review, and helped cement the win that has drawn plaudits from the local press.

Spanish newspaper Sport praised his adaptation, writing: “He is responding brilliantly, making the most of every minute Flick gives him. He arrived as Raphinha’s reserve and, with the injury, has proved a reliable option.”

Flick points to a freshness problem after defeats to PSG and Real Madrid

Future challenges

Head coach Hansi Flick has expanded Jesus’s minutes following the muscle injury to Raphinha during Brazil’s last FIFA window, turning the Brazilian into an unexpected solution for the German manager’s attacking plans.

Looking ahead, Jesus faces two decisive fixtures: an away Champions League tie against Paris Saint‑Germain and a La Liga clash with Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Both matches will test whether his early form can be sustained against Europe’s elite.

Should Raphinha return, competition for places will intensify, yet Jesus’s statistics give Flick additional flexibility as he navigates a congested calendar.