Gabriel Jesus has suffered a serious knee injury which could force Arsenal to change their transfer plans in what remains of the January transfer window.
The Brazil international was carried off on a stretcher following a collision with Bruno Fernandes during Sunday’s FA Cup third round defeat.
After a drastic loss of form and confidence that spanned almost an entire calendar year, Jesus enjoyed a purple patch last month which saw him scored six goals in three games against Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Mikel Arteta, however, is likely to be without the Brazil international for the rest of the season with further tests scheduled to take place on the on the 27-year-old’s knee on Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s north London derby, Arteta said: ‘We know more now. It is not looking good at all.
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‘We need to review one more specialist so probably we will have more information this afternoon. I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We are very worried.’
Arsenal were already short of attacking options, even before Jesus suffered his latest injury setback, with Bukayo Saka out following hamstring surgery and Ethan Nwaneri not likely to return until February.
With his remaining forwards Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling struggling in front of goal, pressure is mounting on Arsenal to act before the window slams shut.
Arteta chose not to strengthen his forward line in the summer after missing out on Benjamin Sesko who made a shock decision to extend his RB Leipzig contract.
Arsenal maintain interest in the Slovenia international while they are also long-term admirers of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak who is valued at £150 million by the north east club.
Deals for those two players would be virtually impossible to do in the next fortnight meaning Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for their solutions.
Goalkeeper Neto and Sterling were signed on loan from Bournemouth and Chelsea in the summer meaning the Gunners cannot look to the Premier League for a temporary answer to their goalscoring woes.
According to The Athletic, however, Arsenal are exploring the European loan market and, at present, if they are to bolster their squad that looks like being their most likely chance of making a new addition.
‘We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad,’ said Arteta confirming his club are attempting to strengthen. ‘Yes, we are looking and we are trying. Let’s see what we are able to do.’
After facing Spurs tomorrow night, Arsenal, host Aston Villa on Saturday evening looking to avenge last season’s costly defeat.
Two wins would dramatically change the mood ahead of the Champions League resumption next Wednesday, where Arsenal are well placed to reach the next round automatically and avoid a two-legged play-off, but anything less would only serve to further deepen the gloom currently enveloping the Emirates Stadium.
Havertz, in particular, looked crestfallen following Sunday’s agonising defeat after he missed several glorious chances to win the game before his miss from the penalty spot in the shootout.
‘To him and to all of them, that I love them, that we all love them individually and as a team they are a joy,’ said Arteta in a desperate attempt to lift spirits.
‘What this team produces every three days is incredible regardless of what happens. And I’m not going to lose sight of that because of our results or for two because we didn’t deserve those results.
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‘What can we do better. Let’s try to do it. It’s very difficult to achieve. It’s an emotional part. It’s something related to confidence as well. But it’s very difficult to ask something else from our players.’
Asked whether he needed a new forward following a second successive FA Cup third round exit, he added: ‘No, but I mean, we miss from various ways, from different plays.
‘And I understand guys that, but I cannot love our players more. And I focus very much on the ones that we have to perform at the highest level. That’s it. The rest is not in our hands, in my hands.’
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