Rethink: Arsenal could be forced to alter transfer plans after an injury to Gabriel Jesus
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal could be active in the January transfer market following Gabriel Jesus’ knee surgery.
The Brazilian international went under the knife earlier this week after being forced off during his country’s final World Cup group stage game against Cameroon.
There are fears the 25-year-old could miss up to three months of action in what would be a major blow to Arteta’s side.
Jesus has scored five times in 14 Premier League appearances since joining the club from Manchester City, playing a key role in their title push.
Arsenal’s priority heading into the January window was the addition of a wide forward, although Jesus’ absence could force them into a rethink.
“What it affects is who we are as a team because he gives us so much, so what we can do after that, when we know the timescale [of his recovery] and when we can have him back, we will look at the options and try to make the right decision,” said the Arsenal boss.
“I feel like my squad is really good. Unfortunately, we’ve had injuries and we will try to see what we can do to be strong.”
Arteta was speaking after his side made light work of Lyon in Dubai, with Nketiah, Gabriel and Fabio Vieira getting on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win.
“It was our first game here since I’ve been a manager and it was a great experience,” he said.
“Thank you so much to everybody involved for making this possible. I’m really happy because we won and played at a good level.”
