Arsenal are reportedly confident that Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has not suffered a serious groin injury.
Several hours before the Gunners kicked off against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, rumours broke that Jesus was not with the squad after hurting his groin in training.
True enough, Jesus was nowhere to be seen at Villa Park, with Arsenal confirming that the South American forward had sustained a groin injury of unspecified severity.
The 27-year-old's latest issue continued a run of rotten luck when it comes to injuries, as he has already dealt with a series of knee problems since joining the Gunners, as well as a hamstring issue.
Immediately after the 2-0 triumph at Villa Park, Mikel Arteta refused to speculate on the severity of Jesus's injury, only confirming that the striker would go for a scan on Monday.
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Arsenal 'positive' over Jesus injury prognosis
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that following initial examinations, Arsenal do not believe that the Brazil international has sustained a serious issue, as the current indications are "positive".
Jesus will undergo a further round of examinations, but Arsenal are keeping their fingers crossed that the former Manchester City man will be back in action imminently.
Jesus made an instant impact at Arsenal upon his arrival in 2022, recording 17 goal contributions in 26 matches during the 2022-23 Premier League season, 11 of his own and six assists.
However, the 27-year-old only managed four strikes in the Premier League in 2023-24, also thanks in no small part to fitness problems, as well as Kai Havertz's strong end-of-season form.
Jesus played just five minutes off the bench in Arsenal's opening victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, and he has missed 33 games for club and country since leaving Man City.
Should Arsenal sign a new striker amid Jesus injury woes?
🔴⚪️🇧🇷 Positive indications for Arsenal after initial tests for Gabriel Jesus.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 25, 2024
Injury doesn't look too serious, more tests will follow but #AFC confident to have GJ back available soon. pic.twitter.com/l7io2U6SUk
Before the summer transfer window opened for business, a big-money striker appeared to be at the top of Arsenal's agenda, with Havertz firing hot and cold, Jesus struggling to stay fit and Eddie Nketiah expected to leave.
However, Arteta made it abundantly clear that he was satisfied with the options he had up front, as Jesus believed that he would showcase his best form once again if he enjoyed an injury-free pre-season.
Such prayers have not been answered, though, and Arsenal could still lose Nketiah in the final few days of the summer window, with Crystal Palace now weighing up an approach after moves to Bournemouth, Marseille and Nottingham Forest all collapsed.
Should Nketiah leave and Jesus be out until at least the international break, Arteta could be without a recognised Havertz backup for the start of September, although Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard can fill in centrally.
Pushing the Mikel Merino deal over the line should be the priority for this week anyway, so Arsenal ought to keep faith with Havertz, Jesus and possibly Nketiah for 2024-25, but the situation must be revisited next summer.
Ben Knapton
