Gabriel Jesus Faces Lengthy Spell on the Sidelines Due to Suspected ACL Injury
Recent reports from British media suggest that Gabriel Jesus is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The unfortunate incident occurred during the first half of Sunday’s FA Cup clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, where the 27-year-old had to be stretchered off the pitch.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed concerns about Jesus’ injury status in a press conference ahead of the team’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. Arteta stated, “We know more now. It is not looking good at all. We need to review with one more specialist and will have better information this afternoon. I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried after the game and we are very worried today.”
Prior to his injury, Gabriel Jesus had been in fine form, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess with notable performances. He netted crucial goals against Crystal Palace and Brentford, as well as a remarkable hat-trick in a League Cup quarterfinal fixture against Palace.
Having previously won four league titles with Manchester City before joining Arsenal in 2022, Jesus had become an integral part of the team’s attacking setup.
Despite the setback, Arteta hinted at potential reinforcements in the January transfer window to bolster the squad. He emphasized the need to address other areas besides acquiring a new striker, acknowledging the importance of enhancing the team’s overall capabilities.
Arteta also addressed the issue of online abuse directed towards Kai Havertz following Arsenal’s FA Cup exit. The manager condemned such behavior and stressed the importance of eradicating toxic narratives from the game.
Looking ahead to the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal will aim to maintain their strong position in the league standings. Currently sitting in second place, the team faces a crucial matchup against Spurs, who are placed 12th in the table.
Arteta highlighted the significance of the derby, noting the intense atmosphere and the rivalry between the two clubs. He emphasized the role of fans in creating a supportive environment and expressed optimism about delivering a performance that would energize the supporters.
