Gabriel Jesus has reportedly suffered a serious knee ligament injury (Image: GETTY)
forward is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury against , according to reports.
The 27-year-old was stretchered off in the first half of the match, which United won on penalties to reach the fourth round of the . He looked to be in some discomfort and was replaced by Raheem Sterling for the remainder of the contest.
would have been hoping for Jesus to avoid serious injury but it seems their worst fears have been realised. He will be out for a long time with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, according to .
It is said that further specialist reviews will take place on Tuesday to determine the full extent of the problem. In any case, it seems likely that Jesus will be sidelined for at least a few months, possibly even for the rest of the season.
Jesus was stretchered off in the first half of Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United (Image: GETTY)
The report adds that could dip into the January market to sign a replacement at short notice if the right opportunity presents itself.
They are said to have enough financial headroom to buy players this month, but the availability of potential targets could be an obstacle for the Gunners.
A temporary move is thought to be the most likely solution, but would need to look outside the with Neto and Sterling occupying their two domestic loan spots.
It is claimed that a permanent signing could be another option as long as the value is deemed ‘fair and achievable’. could also decide to bring forward their plans for the summer market in light of Jesus being sidelined.
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The current window had always been viewed as a ‘reactionary market’, with recent events likely to force into action earlier than anticipated.
admitted that he was worried about the prospect of Jesus being seriously injured after the final whistle against United, saying: “He had to come off on a stretcher with a lot of pain, he was touching his knee. It’s not looking good.”
Asked if the forward had damaged the same knee that he injured at the last World Cup, Arteta replied: “No, I think it’s the other one, but the worrying factor is the feeling he had when he had to come off and the pain that he was in.”
Jesus has scored seven goals for in all competitions this season, with the majority of his strikes coming in the Carabao Cup.