Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Jesus‘ injury is a “big worry” for his team after the Brazilian striker was stretchered off in Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Jesus came off in the first half of Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out loss to Ruben Amorim’s side after a challenge with Bruno Fernandes in his own penalty box.
The injury adds to Arsenal’s treatment table list with Bukayo Saka a long-term absentee, while Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu arealso out.
“Big worry. That’s my feeling,” said Arteta after the game. “To come off with a stretcher in a lot of pain, touching his knee, it’s not looking good.
“It’s the other knee [from the one he injured at the World Cup]. It’s the feeling he had, he had to come off.”
With Kai Havertz missing multiple chances in the defeat to United on penalties, including the crucial spot-kick in the shoot-out, many critics feel Arsenal need a new striker this January.
Asked if he feels the squad is strong enough or if that is the view of the club, Arteta said: “No. It’s the reality right now.
“We are not close to anything and we’re focused on the players that we have.
“The club is always working and we’re always working to try and improve our team but it has to be possible with our resources and with players that can make us better.”
