Arsenal has been hit with a major setback as Gabriel Jesus faces another knee injury just before their FA Cup third-round match against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Brazilian forward, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, has been a crucial contributor, registering 11 goals and six assists in the previous Premier League season.
Despite his impact, Jesus has struggled with fitness issues over the last two years, missing a substantial part of the 2022/23 campaign due to an injury sustained at the 2022 World Cup.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
The Daily Mail reports that Jesus has encountered another knee problem, adding to his ongoing struggles with knee and hamstring issues this season.
Arsenal remains optimistic that it won’t result in a long-term absence, but Eddie Nketiah is likely to step in as the primary replacement if Jesus is unfit to face Liverpool.
The Gunners aim to break a three-game winless streak, and Nketiah, who has scored six times in 26 appearances this season, may lead the attack. Alternatively, Leandro Trossard has also played in a central role on occasion.
In addition to the attacking concerns, Arsenal is already grappling with the absence of midfielders Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira, and defender Jurrien Timber due to injuries.
Oleksandr Zinchenko may not recover in time for Liverpool’s visit, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny are away on international duty.
Despite winning the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta in 2020, Arsenal has faced early exits in recent years, succumbing to 1-0 defeats against Southampton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City in their last three appearances in the tournament.