Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are “very concerned” about striker Gabriel Jesus after he suffered a knee injury against Manchester United – and says they are looking to strengthen the squad this month.
Jesus, 27, injured his knee in the first half of the FA Cup defeat at the weekend and although Arteta could not confirm the extent of the damage, he does not expect the Brazil international to make a quick return.
Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night.
“[It’s] it doesn’t look good at all, but we have to review it with an expert and we will have more information this afternoon,” Arteta said.
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“I don’t want to confirm anything until we get the final report this afternoon. We were very worried right after the game and we are very worried today.
“We are actively looking at the market to improve the team. We always were. It wouldn’t even be naive. We are looking and trying, so let’s see what we can do.”
Arsenal have struggled to finish off chances of late, with Kai Havertz to blame for a particularly poor miss against United which saw him subjected to abuse on social media.
Arteta says something must be done to protect the players and urged fans to calm down.
He said: “It’s amazing, honestly. We really have to do something about it because accepting it has dire consequences. This is something we need to eradicate in the game. It depends on the action.
“The 27th December we won 1-0. Havertz scores a goal and the whole stadium sings his song. That was only 20 days ago, so where is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and cannot look elsewhere. It’s a really serious matter.
“A line must be drawn. That can’t happen. That is what we should strive for.”
“The most beautiful game of the season”
Arsenal have won six of their last eight Premier League meetings with rivals Spurs – who have won once in 31 away games at the Gunners in the Premier League.
It’s a good sign for Arsenal and Arteta says he’s looking forward to the game.
“It’s the best game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to people – to us and everyone involved,” he said.
“Atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed on.
“Let’s do it.”
