Gabriel Jesus has undergone surgery on his right knee after suffering an injury during Brazil’s World Cup match against Cameroon on Friday.
The striker came off Brazil’s 1-0 defeat in the 64th minute and it was announced that he will miss the rest of the World Cup with a knee problem.
An Arsenal statement said: “Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will do their best to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
The news is a blow for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who resume their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day when they host West Ham.
The Gunners have Eddie Nketiah as a full-back while Gabriel Martinelli can also play between the strikers if needed.
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table – five points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City – and Jesus has started every game for Arteta’s Gunners from the start of the season until the World Cup break.
Analysis: Can Arsenal afford to lose Jesus to injury?
Jesus’ commitment to Arsenal after his £45million move from Manchester City has been evident both on and off the pitch.
Many in the Arsenal squad have spoken of how the Brazilian and Oleksandr Zinchenko brought a “winning mentality” from City in the summer – while Jesus, as a central midfielder, has been the Gunners’ longest-serving player with five goals. six assists in his opening 14 games.
But since Jesus was ready to spell on the sidelines it now fell to Eddie Nketiah to take the mantle up front. With five goals in seven league games at the end of last season, Nketiah showed he could start regularly for the Gunners – but struggled to challenge Jesus for a start in Brazil before his injury.
Nketiah has managed three goals in seven non-Premier League games so he hasn’t lost his maturity, but he is yet to find the net in 12 Premier League games from the bench.
Although curious Saturday Night Football he came against Fulham in August – where he played alongside Jesus in the front two – showed the ability of the English player in the game, the 9th place was a place where Arsenal could not afford to lose their top talent.
Will Arsenal be forced into the market?
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Oliver Yew:
“There is already a lot of talk about Arsenal’s desire to strengthen in the January window.
“A right winger and another midfielder are wanted by Mikel Arteta as the Gunners look to bolster their squad with alternatives such as Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey.
“Is there money to spend? Well, reports suggest there is a £50m budget for the league leaders to spend as they look to stay in contention for the new year.
“However, Jesus’ injury makes things difficult for the club’s first-team leader, Edu.
“Will the Gunners now change their plans and look for a replacement for the Brazilian at the cost of securing the squad cover they so desperately want? Or will Edu and Arteta put their faith in Nketiah to lead the line in Jesus’ absence?
“Arsenal are also said to be open to recalling Folarin Balogun from his loan deal with Reims. The 21-year-old has already scored eight goals in Ligue 1 so far and if Arsenal want to continue with their motivational approach with players. winger and midfielder, Balogun could being an easy way to provide cover and competition for Nketiah.”
“It’s a challenge Edu would have been keen to avoid, but how he manages it could go a long way in deciding Arsenal’s future this season.”
Arsenal games in December and January
December 26 – West Ham (H), Premier League – kicks off at 8pm
December 31st – Brighton (A), Premier League – kicks off 5.30pm – live Sky Sports
January 3 – Newcastle (H), Premier League, kicks off 7.45pm – live Sky Sports
January 9 – Oxford United (A), third round of the FA Cup, from 8pm
January 15th – Tottenham (A), Premier League, kicks off 4.30pm – live Sky Sports
January 22 – Manchester United (H), Premier League, kicks off 4.30pm – live Sky Sports
January 28/29 – The possibility of an FA Cup competition in the fourth round
Telles also canceled Brazil’s World Cup campaign
Left-back Alex Telles, who was also injured in Brazil’s Group G final against Cameroon with a right knee problem, also missed the World Cup.
Brazilian left-back Alex Telles has also come to the tournament
A statement from the Brazil FA says: “As announced by the Brazilian FA after the match against Cameroon, the players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus were tested on Saturday morning. Accompanied by the Brazilian team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, they underwent an MRI on their right knee. which confirmed the injury and the inability to recover in time to participate in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“The coordinator of the Brazil National Team, Juninho Paulista, is in contact with the game managers of Arsenal and Sevilla to clarify whether Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus are still with the team in Doha to continue their support or return to their clubs.”
Brazil are already sweating on the fitness of Neymar, who has missed their last two games with an ankle problem.
Jesus injured his right knee during Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday
Brazil’s path to the World Cup final
Can Brazil win their first World Cup in 20 years this winter?
A possible quarter
Friday December 9
Croatia vs Brazil – Start at 3pm
Last possible
Tuesday December 13th
Netherlands or Argentina vs Croatia or Brazil – Start at 7pm
