Arsenal have confirmed Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus is out for the season.
The player tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Manchester United on Sunday, where Arsenal lost on penalties after drawing 1-1 in regulation.
Manager Mikel Arteta spoke at a news conference on Tuesday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, saying, “We know more now. It is not looking good at all. We need to review with one more specialist and will have better information this afternoon.”
New information has now been released, and their worst fears have come true. Arsenal confirmed on their website today: “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.“
The 27-year-old was substituted before halftime for Raheem Sterling after he clashed with Manchester United player Bruno Fernandes.
To make matters worse for Arsenal, it exacerbates its crisis in attack. Star winger Bukayo Saka is out for at least until March, and misfiring Kai Havertz has not been good enough this season to lead Arsenal’s charge in the Premier League and Champions League. The injury also couldn’t have come at a worse time personally for Jesus, who was in the middle of his best scoring run so far at Arsenal — scoring a brace against Crystal Palace and another against Brentford on New Year’s Day.
When Arteta was asked in his press conference if Arsenal is keen on doing business in the January transfer window to find a replacement for Gabriel Jesus, he said: “We are actively looking into the market to improve the squad, we have always been. It would be naive not to. We are trying, so let’s see what we can do.
“To recruit a player there are three parties who have to agree to that. The fact I love my players doesn’t mean we can’t think about improving. We do daily and when the market comes around we have to make sure we have the best resources and capacity to compete the way that we want to.”
Arsenal also announced a new signing today, confirming they have agreed to terms with Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad who will officially be joining this summer, allowing him to remain at Sociedad until the end of the season.
Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium this Wednesday in the Premier League.
