Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are “very worried” about striker Gabriel Jesus after picking up a knee injury against Manchester United – and says they are looking to strengthen the squad this month.
Jesus, 27, injured his knee in the first half of the FA Cup defeat at the weekend and while Arteta could not confirm the severity of the damage, he is not expecting a quick return for the Brazil international.
Arsenal face north London side Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
“(It doesn’t look) good at all, but we have to look at it with the specialist and we will have more information this afternoon,” Arteta said.
🆚 North London Derby
✨ Saturday night football
🎙 Hours of Mikel’s press conferenceEverything in store this week 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 13, 2025
“I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried right after the game and we are very worried today.
“We are actively looking to improve the team. We always were. It would also be naive. We’re looking and trying, so let’s see what we can do.”
Arsenal have struggled to finish off chances of late, with Kai Havertz guilty of a particularly nasty error against United which led to him being abused on social media.
Arteta says something must be done to protect the players and has called for calm from fans.
He said: “It’s unbelievable, honestly. We really need to do something about it because accepting it has dire consequences. It’s something we have to root out 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 cannot look elsewhere. It’s a really serious matter.
“The line has to be drawn. It can’t happen. That’s what we have to aim for.”
“Best game of the season”
Arsenal have won six of their last eight Premier League meetings with rivals Spurs – who have won once in 31 Premier League visits to the Gunners.
That’s good for Arsenal and Arteta says he’s looking forward to the game.
“It’s the best game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the world – 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 on.
“Let’s do it.”
2025-01-14 10:23:00
