Arsenal could be handed major injury blow as key player a ‘doubt’ for Liverpool

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Arsenal are on the verge of an injury crisis, as it has now emerged that Gabriel Jesus is suffering from a knee issue.

Arsenal are set to face Liverpool in the FA Cup today, but they may be without the Brazilian as he is now a major doubt for the game.

Jesus is a key figure for Arsenal, but missed significant chunks of last season with a knee injury, and has also been absent at times this season with knee and hamstring issues.

The 26-year-old has not been at his best in front of goal, which has led to calls for Mikel Arteta to sign a striker, but he would still be a huge miss for the work-rate and link-play he brings to the attacking line.

Gabriel Jesus a doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool

A report from The Daily Mail has now revealed that Jesus is a “doubt” for Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool at the Emirates with a knee issue he picked up in recent days.

The striker was dropped to the bench for last week’s defeat to Fulham, but appeared as a substitute in the second half, and there were no suggestions that he was injured.

The issue is not thought to be a serious one, and Arsenal will have a break before their next game against Crystal Palace on January 20th, which would allow Jesus time to recover, but it now seems highly unlikely that he will be risked from the start against Liverpool.

Who could start instead of Gabriel Jesus against Liverpool?

The most likely candidate to start upfront against Liverpool is Eddie Nketiah. The striker replaced Jesus against Fulham, but was starved of service as Arsenal delivered a dismal performance at Craven Cottage.

Nketiah has been linked with a move away, with Arsenal now reportedly willing to accept £30m if they can replace him, and this could be a big chance for him to prove why he should stay and fight for his place.

Leandro Trossard could also play upfront, but his poor recent form has meant that Arteta could start with him on the bench.

Kai Havertz has rarely played as a striker, but he could move to a centre-forward role if a different midfield option in Emile Smith Rowe or Jorginho is handed a start, and the latter could be selected to add more composure to the Arsenal midfield, and allow Declan Rice to push further forward.