Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to confirm reports that Gabriel Jesus had suffered an ACL injury, but the Gunners boss admitted once again that he is "very worried" about the Brazilian.
The 27-year-old was carried off on a stretcher after hurting his knee in the weekend's FA Cup penalty-shootout defeat to Manchester United, and it was claimed on Tuesday morning that he had suffered a suspected ACL rupture.
Such an issue would rule Jesus out for the remainder of the campaign, although the striker is still set for another appointment with a specialist before the official diagnosis is released.
Arteta faced the press on Tuesday morning ahead of Wednesday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur, and the first question fielded to the Spaniard was inevitably about Jesus's condition.
Arteta stopped short of giving a full medical report, but he reaffirmed his concern yet again, saying: "We know more now, it's not looking good at all, we need to review with one more specialist so we'll have information later this afternoon."
Arteta nods at mention of Jesus ACL
© Iconsport
The Gunners boss then nodded when a journalist mentioned the reports of a presumed ACL tear, adding: "I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried now."
Jesus's devastating knee injury comes at a time where the Brazil international was just starting to rediscover his best form in North London, scoring six goals in four games against Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Brentford over the festive period.
The former Manchester City man experienced a marvellous first few months at the Emirates in 2022, but repeated knee problems have reared their ugly heads ever since his serious issue at the last World Cup, which required a major operation.
Jesus has since had to undergo other minor procedures on the same knee, although it is believed that his new ACL problem is to his left knee rather than his right, which is the one he has suffered his previous complications on.
After another attacking injury and wasteful Kai Havertz performance against Man United, Arteta has reaffirmed that his side are scouring the transfer market for January additions, adding: ""My answer remains the same, we are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We would be naive not to do that. We are looking, we are trying, let's see what we are able to do."
Will Arsenal have any injured players back for Tottenham?
© Imago
Jesus will be one of five definite absentees for Arsenal when Tottenham pay a visit on Wednesday, as Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ethan Nwaneri (muscle), Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are also long-term absentees.
Arteta did not rule out the prospect of boosts for the derby, though, adding: "Let's wait until his afternoon. We have one more training session, there are a few more that can be close."
Asked specifically about Riccardo Calafiori, who unexpectedly missed the Man United defeat with a muscle issue, Arteta replied: "His thing it not too much but again we need another day or two. We'll have more understanding this afternoon."
However, the Gunners boss played down concerns over Jurrien Timber and Jorginho, confirming that the pair were only suffering from cramp in the FA Cup defeat and should be fine to face Spurs.
Ben Knapton
