Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has broken his silence regarding a fresh injury concern for Gabriel Jesus ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham.
The Gunners face a potential crisis in their forward ranks, with absences across the board starting to wreak havoc on the squad.
Bukayo Saka’s injury kickstarted the issues up front, with Ethan Nwaneri’s absence only adding to that shortly after.
Several different options have been deployed on the wing by Mikel Arteta in recent weeks, with the latest being Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian started there against Manchester United, but he wasn’t able to last the full game for Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury in the first half and had to be stretchered off, coming as quite the concern.
Mikel Arteta reveals Gabriel Jesus injury latest
Recent reports suggested that Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury in his knee, which looks set to keep him out for the season.
It is the type of injury, if confirmed, that can keep players out for roughly nine months, which means he wouldn’t return until the following season – though that is dependent on his recovery and time frame.
It was something Mikel Arteta was quizzed on before the North London Derby against Tottenham in midweek.
The Arsenal boss told the press: “We know more now and it’s not looking good at all. But we need to review with one more specialist and probably we’ll have more information this afternoon.”
On the reports of an ACL, he added: “I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon and I think it’s the doctor’s job to do that. But we were very worried straight after the game and we’re very worried today.”
It means a solution to the right-hand side will have to be found in the weeks ahead, whether that is internal or external.
On Calafiori, he added: “His thing is not too much. We need another day or two. 24 hours become really important. We will have more understanding this afternoon.”
Who could replace Gabriel Jesus for the North London Derby?
With the North London Derby right around the corner, Arsenal are tied with the options they can name in the forward ranks.
There won’t be enough time to complete a transfer of any kind, so instead there will have to be some creative solutions.
The most obvious replacement for Gabriel Jesus is Raheem Sterling, given his display against Man United and how comfortable he is on the right flank.
Beyond him, a place for Gabriel Martinelli could be on the cards, having featured there on a few occasions.
While Leandro Trossard could play there, attention may then shift to the Arsenal academy and which up-and-coming stars could play their part this season.
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