Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal, Gunners, Emirates Stadium, Premier League
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is set to be ruled out with injury for the rest of 2022, according to Fabrizio Romano after hearing from “sources” close to the player.
The Lowdown: Jesus’ World Cup ended by injury
The 25-year-old started for Brazil in their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday night in the World Cup, having been introduced as a substitute in their previous two games, but his involvement ended in the 64th minute as he hobbled off with a knee injury.
On Saturday, the Brazilian FA confirmed that both Jesus and Alex Telles would take no further part in the tournament in Qatar due to injury, with the former also now set to miss the restart of the Premier League season on Boxing Day when the Gunners take on West Ham.
The Latest: Jesus out injured until January
Sky Sports reported that Jesus will be doubtful to feature in that game, and Romano has since shared a further update on the Arsenal striker’s unfortunate setback.
The Italian tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the World Cup, sources close to player and Brazil confirm. He has pain in his knee and won’t be able to be back during the competition. Gabriel’s expected to return in January with Arsenal.”
The Verdict: So unfortunate
To suffer a tournament-ending injury at the World Cup must be one of the hardest things for a footballer to endure, and Jesus will no doubt be devastated to be ruled out for the knockout stages of the tournament in Qatar.
The injury setback is unfortunate not just for him but also for Arsenal, with the striker’s importance to the team made clear by his status as the Gunners’ highest-ranked player according to WhoScored performance metrics.
Mikel Arteta’s team will resume the season as Premier League leaders, although their prospects of a prolonged title challenge could well depend on having as many of their key players available as possible.
Jesus now looks set to miss the festive programme for Arsenal, but hopefully he will return in time for the North London derby in mid-January.
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