Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he is “very worried” about the injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus, as reports state the striker suffered an ACL issue.
The forward went down in concerning fashion during the first-half of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Jesus was stretchered off the field and replaced by Raheem Sterling, and reports emerged on Tuesday that the Brazilian suffered an ACL injury, as first reported by The Athletic – which would keep him sidelined for a prolonged period.
“Not looking good at all,” Arteta said ahead of his side’s derby clash against Tottenham on Wednesday.
“But we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon.”
The Gunners’ boss added: “I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried today.”
The suspected long-term issue is an untimely blow for Jesus and Arsenal, after the forward found goalscoring form towards the end of December – netting six goals in a span of four matches, including a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
Jesus’ absence also adds to the title challengers’ injury list, which includes the influential Bukayo Saka, alongside Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
As a result, Arteta is suffering with a shortage of attacking options, and the Spaniard confirmed the club are “actively looking” to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window.
“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, that has been the same since day one,” Arteta said. “We are looking, we are trying. Let’s see what we are able to do.”
Arsenal sit level on points with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table, six behind leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand.