Gabriel Jesus set for months out after suffering ACL injury as Arsenal target loan transfer as cover

ARSENAL have suffered a serious injury, while Gabriel Jesus was out for months with a cruciate ligament injury.

The Brazilian striker had only recently returned to Mikel Arteta's starting XI.

Jesus, 27, scored three goals in Arsenal's previous four games before starting Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

But his FA Cup adventure was cut short after a collision with Bruno Fernandes.

Jesus collapsed and writhed in pain on the ground.

He was then given lengthy treatment by medics before being stretchered off the field.

And Arsenal have confirmed that Jesus will now face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.

The club have said he will undergo surgery on the striker in the coming days but is guaranteed to miss the rest of the season.

Arteta previously admitted: “We know more now. It doesn't look good at all.

“We still need a specialist and we will have more information this afternoon. I don't want to confirm anything until the final report. It's the doctor's job.

“We were very concerned then and we are still very concerned today.”

With Jesus away from the pitch for an extended period, Arsenal could be forced to enter the January transfer market.

The Gunners could explore a potential loan deal for a striker, but they will not be able to sign anyone from the Premier League as their two allocated spots are filled by Raheem Sterling and Neto.

Instead, they will have to look abroad.

Arteta and Co could reignite their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic before the window closes.

Arsenal tried to sign him three years ago but lost to Juve just before the January deadline.

However, the Serie A giants could be open to letting him go this month.

They reportedly offered him to Manchester United last week as part of a swap deal for Joshua Zirkzee.

Discussing the possibility of signing another striker this month, Arteta added: “We are actively looking in the market, the same since day one. We would be naive if we didn't.

“We'll give it a try and let's see what we can do.”