Gabriel Jesus set to miss rest of season after Arsenal confirm ACL diagnosis

By Philip Duncan, PA

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s worst fears have been realised after it was confirmed Gabriel Jesus is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Speaking on Tuesday to preview Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates, Arteta said he was “very worried” about Jesus following initial tests on the left knee which forced him off on a stretcher in his side’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

The Gunners have now revealed that Jesus - who has scored six times across his last seven appearances - has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The devastating injury is likely not only to keep Jesus out of the rest of the current campaign but possibly into next season, too.

The news is a hammer blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions and leaves them with only one recognised forward in Kai Havertz. Arteta is also set to be without star man Bukayo Saka until March at the earliest after he tore his hamstring last month.

A statement from Arsenal read: “Further to being substituted with an injury during our match with Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.

“We will continue to keep everyone updated with Gabby’s recovery, with everyone at the club fully focused on supporting Gabby to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”