Arsenal face uncertainty over Jesus' return, says boss Arteta
Casemiro (L) of Brazil looks at the leg of his teammate Gabriel Jesus (C) during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Group G football match between Cameroon and Brazil at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar, Dec. 2, 2022. (EPA Photo)


There is still no light to be seen at the end of the tunnel for Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he has no timescale for when the striker will recover from his knee injury and that the Premier League side will have to consider their options prior to next month's transfer window.

Jesus was forced off the pitch during Brazil's 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in their final group match at the World Cup and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

The 25-year-old forward underwent surgery on his right knee, with reports saying he could be sidelined for up to three months.

Jesus has scored five goals in 20 matches for league leaders Arsenal in all competitions this season following his move from Manchester City.

When asked if the injury would affect Arsenal's plans in the January transfer window, Arteta said the Brazilian's absence would be keenly felt as he gives the team "so much."

"What we can do after that when we know a little bit about the timescale and when we can have him back, we will look at the options and try to make the right decision," added Arteta, speaking after a 3-0 win over Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais in a friendly in Dubai.

"Obviously, we know that he needed some intervention in the knee, and we'll have to take it day by day, week by week, and see where that takes us."

Arsenal, who have a five-point lead over City at the top of the table after 14 games, return to league action on Dec. 26 when they host West Ham United.