Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are “very concerned” about the extent of striker Gabriel Jesus' injury.
The Brazil international limped off during the early stages of Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United with what the club fear is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Arteta says Arsenal are waiting for clarification on the prognosis but the head coach could not hide his concerns about the striker.
“[It’s] It doesn't look good at all but we need to discuss this with the specialist and have more information this afternoon,” he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's north London derby against Tottenham.
“I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. Immediately after the match we were very worried, and we are today too.”
With Jesus joining Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri in the treatment room, Arteta acknowledged the club is “actively looking” for new players during the transfer window.
“My answer doesn't change,” he added. “We are actively looking to the market to improve the team. We always have been. It would be naive not to do that. We are looking and we are trying, so let's see what we can do.”
The Spaniard also defended Kai Havertz, who was subjected to vicious abuse on social media along with his wife Sophia after missing the decisive penalty in the shootout defeat to Man Utd.
“It's unbelievable, honestly,” he said. 'We really have to do something about it, because accepting that and hiding it has terrible consequences.
“It's something we need to remove from the game because it's so cynical and dependent on the outcome of an action.
“There's no other industry like it. When we played Ipswich [Town] on December 27 we won 1-0 and Kai Havertz scored. The entire stadium then sings the 'Waka, Waka' [his chant]. That was 20 days ago. Where is the perspective?
“We are all responsible. That is a very serious matter. It affects me. It affects him and everyone in the industry.
“We can accept it and say 'that's our job', but there are certain boundaries and the line has to be drawn. We pay a lot of attention to technology and what's next in football. What's next in football is that this should be banned. That is not possible.
All eyes on tomorrow.
Sobha Realty Training Center pic.twitter.com/b5P2BkmqEJ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 14, 2025
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