Mikel Arteta has said that the injury Gabriel Jesus has sustained is a ‘huge blow’ for Arsenal and that it is a challenge which they have to overcome.
Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury during Brazil national football team’s FIFA World Cup 2-22 Group G match against Cameroon. He was ruled of the remainder of FIFA World Cup 2022 and has since undergone surgery to his right knee.
That means Arsenal could be without Gabriel Jesus for up to three months, and Mikel Arteta admits Gunners are going to miss the Brazilian attacker until he recovers from the injury and return to action.
Mikel Arteta has also admitted Gabriel Jesus has sustained a ‘significant injury’ but did not put any timeframe on the 25-year-old’s recovery.
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Mikel Arteta discusses Gabriel Jesus’ injury
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal vs West Ham, Mikel Arteta discussed Gabriel Jesus’ injury. “It’s obviously a huge blow with Gabriel Jesus and what happened in the World Cup with his injury,” Mikel Arteta said.
“We’re going to miss him for a period of time. But the season has challenges, that’s a challenge we have to overcome as well. If you want to be at the top, you know that you’re going to have to face this type of challenge.
“With Gabi, it’s very difficult to put a timeframe. Obviously, it was a very significant injury, and knowing him, I prefer not to give any dates away.”
Gabriel Jesus, who joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window of 2022, has been a key player for Mikel Arteta. The Brazil international has featured in 20 games across all competitions for the north London outfit so far in the 22/23 season.
Of those 20 appearances, 14 came in the Premier League, where he has started in every game the Gunners have played in the 22/23 season. He has also scored five goals and registered seven assists for Arsenal in the 22/23 season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal sits atop the points table in the Premier League 22/23 season. Mikel Arteta’s men have 37 points from 14 matches in the English top flight. They enjoy a five-point lead over defending champions Manchester City, who sit second with 32 points.
