Arsenal Dealt Major Blow as Gabriel Jesus Faces Long-Term ACL Injury

Forward’s Setback Adds to Growing Injury Crisis as Gunners Chase Premier League Leaders

Arsenal has suffered a significant setback in their Premier League campaign with the news that forward Gabriel Jesus is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Brazilian star is suspected to have ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), according to The Athletic.

Injury Details and Timeline

Specialist evaluations are set to take place on Tuesday to determine the full extent of the injury. If the ACL damage is confirmed, Jesus could be sidelined for 9 to 12 months, ruling him out for the remainder of this season and potentially part of the next.

This marks the second ACL injury of Jesus’ career. During the 2022 World Cup, he suffered a similar setback, though that injury affected his right knee. This time, the damage is to his left knee, meaning it is not a recurrence.

The injury occurred during Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United at the Emirates. Jesus went down awkwardly after a challenge on Bruno Fernandes, and the distress was evident as medical staff tended to him.

Collision with Bruno Fernandes

He was stretchered off the field after just 40 minutes, visibly emotional.

Mikel Arteta’s Reaction

Following the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern, saying, “No update, but it’s not looking good. He was in quite a lot of pain and had to come off on a stretcher.”

A Crucial Blow to Arsenal’s Attack

Jesus had been enjoying a resurgence in form, scoring six goals since December 18 after a slow start to the season. His absence compounds Arsenal’s growing list of injured players at a critical stage of the campaign.

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Arsenal’s Growing Injury List

The Gunners are already contending with multiple absences:

  • Bukayo Saka, sidelined until March with a torn hamstring, has been a significant loss after contributing nine goals and 13 assists this season.
  • Ethan Nwaneri, who had stepped in for Saka, is also out for several weeks with a muscle injury.
  • Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurien Timber are managing minor injuries.
  • Ben White is out for several weeks with a knee issue, while Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a long-term absentee due to another knee injury.

Uphill Battle for Arsenal

Currently trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, Arsenal faces an uphill battle in their title pursuit. Arteta’s side will need to rely on their squad depth and hope for improved fortune as they navigate the critical weeks ahead.

As the injury crisis deepens, Arsenal fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Jesus’ condition and hoping for a swift return to form for their team.

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