Fears became all too real for Arsenal fans last week after Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup journey with Brazil came to an abrupt end due to injury.
It was confirmed that the forward, who has been instrumental in the Gunners’ impressive start to the season, had travelled back to the UK to undergo further tests on his knee having experienced pain whilst playing.
Initial reports ruled Jesus out of action for just three weeks, while others have since claimed it could be several months on the sidelines after Arsenal confirmed he had successfully undergone surgery. There remains no official recovery timeframe, although the club added that rehab will begin immediately.
READ MORE: Arsenal release Gabriel Jesus knee injury statement as surgery and rehab timeline confirmed
Nevertheless, it is still a significant blow to the player - and to Arsenal - who find themselves top of the Premier League after 14 games and through to the last-16 of the Europa League. Since arriving from Manchester City in the summer, Jesus has thrived in a crucial role under Mikel Arteta, scoring goals, providing assists and offering exceptional quality throughout the side.
Should Jesus be unavailable for a long period, Eddie Nketiah will likely find himself as Arsenal’s starting striker for a number of important fixtures. The 23-year-old will no doubt relish the opportunity just as he did last season, but with only three goals in 19 appearances this season, many will be wondering if he can provide sufficient cover.
Despite Arsenal terminating the contract of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last January, the club decided against signing a replacement or any other attack-minded player. Ultimately, it was a decision that failed to pay off, with a lack of quality and depth in key areas proving to be two of the reasons Arsenal missed out on a top-four spot.
Arteta and sporting director Edu would have planned ahead of the January transfer window, but I doubt a serious injury to the club’s key striker was part of the discussions, however, there is one silver lining to come out of the situation.
The Arsenal hierarchy including owners Stan and Josh Kroenke and non-executive director Tim Lewis were pictured alongside Arteta and Edu in Los Angeles last week. Whilst they appeared to be enjoying some much-deserved quality time with their families during the World Cup break, the subject of work is likely to have been discussed at some point.
Although seeing them together was refreshing and encouraging for many Arsenal fans ahead of January, the timing of the meet-up was perfect considering the news of Jesus’ injury was reported just days before they were spotted out in the States.
Despite there being very little information about the injury, the group would have been briefed on the situation, handing them the opportunity to adjust plans for the winter window. Time will tell if a direct replacement for Jesus has been discussed, but you get the impression that the need for attacking reinforcements such as Mykhaylo Mudryk would have been reiterated.
Mudryk has ten goals and eight assists in 18 appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk so far this season, and while he may not be a natural centre forward, he would undoubtedly provide a much-needed goal threat to the Arsenal frontline.
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