Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus suffered a major knee injury and was ruled out of the World Cup immediately. Since then he has undergone successful knee surgery and will be out for some months now. It is a major concern for Brazil to not have someone of Jesus’ calibre but also for Arsenal who were leading the Premier League table ahead of the World Cup and missing Jesus for a few months would be a big blow for the Gunners.

Reports have emerged suggesting that the Brazilian forward will be out for atleast three months but Arsenal are not putting a timeline of his return as they want to take it slowly and see day to day progress.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta also shared the same as he highlighted how they dont want to rush with someone’s injury and would like to take it gradually. When asked about Jesus’ return date, Arteta said, “No. Obviously we know that he needed some intervention in the knee, and we will have to take (it) day-by-day, week-by-week and see where it takes us.”

The Gunners recently played a friendly game against Lyon where they won 3-0 and Gabriel Jesus’ backup Eddie Nketiah scored and is in good touch. Nketiah may play upfront for Arsenal or even Brazil international Grabirel Martinelli can also slot in over there in his compatriot’s absence.

When quizzed whether the club will look to sign reinforcements in the January transfer window, Arteta diverted the question and shared how important Jesus has been for the Gunners.. “Where it affects us is who we are as a team, because he gives us so much,” he replied. “So what we can do after that, when we know a little bit the timescale and when we can have him back, we will look at the options, and try to make the right decision.”

Gabriel Jesus have scored five and have assisted as many in the Premier League this season and has been pivotal in helping Arsenal rise up to the top of the table.

There are players who can help the club win matches and even Arteta agrees to that fact but he is unsure if the players can deliver with as much consistency as Jesus gave them while leading the attack. “We have players, we have a lot of accompanying players,” Arteta replied. “It’s do we have the players that can give us the performances and the consistency we need to be and maintain and improve from where we are?”