Arsenal confirm Gabriel Jesus out with ACL injury

Arsenal have confirmed that forward Gabriel Jesus sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

The Brazilian international is set to undergo surgery in the coming days, with an extended recovery period expected.

“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,” Arsenal statement reads.

“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.”

The injury is a significant blow for Arsenal, with the typical recovery time for an ACL rupture being around nine months. This leaves the Gunners with Kai Havertz as their only recognized striker following the summer sale of Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace.

Sky Sports News reports that Arsenal are working urgently to recruit a striker in the January transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the club’s active efforts to strengthen the squad, stating earlier this week.

“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We would be naive not to do that. There is an opportunity to improve the squad.

“We are looking and trying. Let’s see what we are able to do. When you recruit a player, there are three parties. We also have our limitations, we can do what we can do.”

When pressed on prioritizing a forward, Arteta added.

“In any position. We have other issues as well. A player can bring things to a team in different ways. That is what we are trying to do.”

Jesus, 27, has endured a series of injury setbacks since joining Arsenal from Manchester City for £45 million in July 2022. The forward was in red-hot form, scoring six goals in his last seven appearances before the setback.

Adding to Arsenal’s challenges, fellow forwards Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri are also currently sidelined, further highlighting the urgency to bolster their attacking options in the transfer market.