Gabriel Jesus to miss up to three months with World Cup injury

Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury at the World Cup with a Brazil in the side’s loss against Cameroon. While it first appeared not overly serious, later tests revealed the Arsenal striker needs surgery. Officially, it is a medial ligament injury in the forward’s right knee.

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reports the surgery’s recovery time depends on the player. However, it can take months to properly heal and return to full fitness. Initially, Jesus intended on staying with the team in the hopes the injury was nothing serious. Now, his absence deals a major blow to Arsenal’s bid to finish atop the Premier League table.

Nationally, the striker appeared in all three group stage games. However, two of those were substitute appearances. Moreover, he started the third game against Cameroon after Brazil already wrapped up qualification into the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.

However, with Arsenal, Jesus is far more critical. In 14 Premier League games this season, he has five goals and six assists. Granted, some of that performance tapered off since a scintillating start to the campaign. Gabriel Jesus is without a goal in his last six Premier League appearances. Yet, he does have three assists in that time frame to maintain some form.

Gabriel Jesus injury puts strain on Arsenal

In regards to Brazil’s loss of the forward, the concern is minimal. Gabriel Jesus served a rotational role to provide some impetus off the bench. Neymar, Richarlison, Vinícius and Raphinha appear to be the favored options in a front three. On top of that, there are options in the attack including Antony, Rodrygo, Pedro and Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli are all forward options for Tite.

Entering the World Cup, Arsenal built up a lead in the Premier League table over Manchester City. Each team having played 14 games, Arsenal has a five-point lead in the table over City.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Fotoarena