Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says the club is “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 years old) injured his knee in the first half of the match that the team lost in the FA Cup at the weekend, and while Arteta could not confirm the severity of the injury, he does not expect a quick return for the Brazil international.
Arsenal faces north London rival Tottenham on Wednesday evening.
“(It) doesn’t look good at all, but we need to check with the specialist 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 straight after the game, and we are very worried today.
“We are actively looking at the market to improve the team. We always have been. It would be naive too. We are looking and trying, so let's see what we can do.”
Arsenal have struggled to finish chances of late, with Kai Havertz being guilty of missing a particularly poor chance against United which resulted in him receiving abuse on social media.
Arteta says something must be done to protect the players and called on fans to calm down.
“It's unbelievable, honestly,” he said. We really have to do something about it because accepting it has serious consequences. It's something we have to eliminate from the game. It depends on the action.
“On December 27 we won 1-0. Havertz scores a goal and the whole stadium is singing his song. That was only 20 days ago, so where is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and we cannot look elsewhere. It is a really serious issue.
“The line has to be drawn. It can't happen. This is what we should be aiming for.”
“The best match of the season”
Arsenal have won six of their last eight Premier League meetings with rivals Tottenham – who have won once in the Gunners' 31 Premier League visits.
This bodes well for Arsenal and Arteta says he is looking forward to the match.
“It is the best game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to people, to us and to everyone involved,” he said.
“Atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off of.
“let's do it.”