Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are “very worried” about forward Gabriel Jesus after he suffered a knee injury against Manchester United – and says they are looking to strengthen the squad this month.
Jesus, 27, hurt 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 does not expect a swift return for the Brazil international.
Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night.
“[It’s] not looking good at all, but we need to review with the specialist and 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 straight after the game and we are very worried today.
“We are actively looking into the market to improve the squad. We always have been. It would be naïve not too. We are looking and we are trying, so let’s see what we can do.”
Arsenal have struggled to finish chances of late, with Kai Havertz guilty of a particularly bad miss against United that led to him receiving abuse on social media.
Arteta says something must be done to protect players and called for calm from supporters.
He said: “It is incredible, honestly. We really have to do something about it because accepting it has terrible consequences. It is something we have to eradicate in the game. It is dependent on action.
“On 27 December we win 1-0. Havertz scores a goal and the whole stadium is singing his song. That was just 20 days ago, so where is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and we cannot look somewhere else. It is a really serious matter.
“The line has to be drawn. It cannot happen. That is what we should aim for.”
‘Nicest game 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.
That bodes well for Arsenal and Arteta says he is looking forward to the game.
“It is the nicest game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the people – us and everyone that is involved,” he said.
“The atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off.
“Let’s do it.”
