Arsenal have confirmed that star forward Gabriel Jesus has suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, which is set to sideline him.
It comes after the forward was brought off early in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, having to be replaced after two clashes.
The extent of Gabriel Jesus’ injury was uncertain, though the fact he was stretchered off only added to fears over his condition.
Reports suggested an ACL injury, though Mikel Arteta pushed back on fears over Gabriel Jesus’ concern while specialists were checking him out.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, the worst-case scenario has now been confirmed.
Arsenal statement on Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury
With further specialist viewings and scans that followed, it was revealed that Gabriel Jesus has suffered an ACL injury.
It’s a far from easy blow to take, given the usual extent to which the issue can leave players sidelined for with recovery.
A statement from the official Arsenal website reads: “Further to being substituted during our match with Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
“Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.
“We will continue to keep everyone updated with Gabby’s recovery, with everyone at the club fully focused on supporting Gabby to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”
It comes as a huge blow to the Brazilian, who has suffered serious knee injuries in the past and is set to go on the road to recovery once again.
For Arsenal, it’s a loss of another forward option and an important one at that.
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How long is Gabriel Jesus injured for?
The usual case for an ACL injury is that a player can take anywhere from nine months to one year to make a full recovery to become match-fit once again.
Surgery on the ligament will require time to heal, while players have to get used to simply walking again on crutches before progressing.
There will be a lengthy period of building up to walking, running and then heading onto the grass once again.
On top of that is a period where they have to become accustomed to using the ball at their feet before they are near the matchday squad.
For Jesus, it likely means his season is over and a return won’t be expected until the end of the calendar year, heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
It remains to be seen just how long he could be sidelined, but a tough journey is ahead for the star.
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