Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club is ‘very worried’ about striker Gabriel Jesus after he injured his knee against Manchester United – and said he is looking to strengthen the squad this month -this.
Jesus, 27, injured his knee during the first half of the FA Cup defeat at the weekend and although Arteta could not confirm the severity of the damage, he does not expect to a rapid return of the Brazilian international.
Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday evening.
“[It’s] It doesn’t look good at all, but we have to review with the specialist and we will have more information this afternoon,” Arteta said.
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“I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried right after the match and we are today.
“We are actively studying the market to improve the team. We always have been. That wouldn’t be naive either. We’re looking and trying, so let’s see what we can do.
Arsenal have struggled to convert their chances in recent times, with Kai Havertz guilty of a particularly bad miss against United which earned him abuse on social media.
Arteta says something must be done to protect players and appealed to supporters for calm.
He said: “It’s amazing, honestly. We really need to do something, because accepting it has terrible consequences. This is something we need to eradicate in the game. It depends on the action.
“On December 27, we won 1-0. Havertz scores a goal and the whole stadium sings his song. That was only 20 days ago, so where is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and we cannot look the other way. This is a really serious matter.
“You have to draw a line. This can’t happen. This is what we should aim for.
“The best match of the season”
Arsenal have won six of their last eight Premier League meetings with rivals Spurs – who have won once in 31 visits to the Gunners in the Premier League.
This bodes well for Arsenal and Arteta says he is looking forward to the match.
“It’s the most enjoyable game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the people – us and everyone involved,” he said.
“Atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off of.
“Let’s do it.”
