Gabriel Jesus to be sidelined for ‘longer than expected’ after Arteta latest update
Mikel Arteta has indicated that Gabriel Jesus will not return to action at the beginning of March, as had been anticipated.
Before the World Cup, the former Manchester City player was a star for the Gunners, contributing five goals and five assists in the Premier League.
However, while playing for Brazil in Qatar, the 25-year-old sustained a knee injury that immediately ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.
The initial recovery time was estimated to be three months, forcing Arteta to seek replacements during the January transfer window in anticipation of a possible decline in performance.
Notwithstanding, Arsenal have maintained their lead at the top of the league, increasing it to eight points with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday.
This match was viewed as a step closer to regaining the services of Jesus, but Arteta has indicated that no potential return date has been set.
According to talkSPORT, the Spaniard declared: “It was a serious injury that lasted a bit longer than we anticipated, and we hope Gabriel will return for the final months.
“He will do everything possible to shorten it, but we’ll miss him for a while.”
Eddie Nketiah has established himself as a capable replacement for Jesus, scoring four goals in five appearances across all competitions since the restart.
Arsenal is rumored to be searching for a new player for the final third after Mykhaylo Mudryk was signed by Chelsea.
Supposedly, the North Londoners were willing to pay well over £60 million for Mudryk until their rivals agreed to meet Shakhtar’s £88 million asking price.
Arteta told reporters, in response to the loss of Mudryk: “We have outstanding players. When I say “we” I mean myself, the coaching staff, the staff, the players, the board of directors, and the ownership group.
“We are all in this together, but we will only make deals that we believe will benefit the football club.”
Arsenal is reportedly contemplating a new offer for Raphinha, who only recently left Leeds United for Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
Gabriel Jesus to be sidelined for ‘longer than expected’ after Arteta latest update
