Arsenal have been dealt a blow by the news that striker Gabriel Jesus looks set for a spell on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old was forced off during Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday after complaining of pain in his right knee.
Early signs suggested the former Manchester City striker would be out of action for the remainder of the World Cup but reports in Brazil suggest Jesus could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
According to Sportv, the Arsenal star will fly back to London on Sunday where he will require surgery on his knee. The procedure means Jesus could miss three months of action for Mikel Arteta’s table toppers.
The news could not have come at a worse time for Arsenal as they prepare to resume their quest to land a first Premier League title since 2004.
Arsenal welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day and a win for the Gunners could see them stretch their lead at the top to eight points before closest challengers Manchester City play again.
But the loss of Jesus will be a bitter blow to Arteta’s high flyers, particularly in the month of January when their title credentials will be put to the test when they face Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United.
The Gunners are also then set to play Man City in February.
Arteta has time to assess his options ahead of the resumption and should he opt to stick rather than twist in the January transfer window, there are three options at his disposal to provide cover until Jesus makes his return.
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Eddie Nketiah
The Arsenal academy graduate has seen his Premier League gametime restricted to substitute appearances due to the form of Jesus.
Nketiah has not yet found the net in the league this season but has found success in the Europa League, scoring twice.
The 23-year-old started each of the Gunners’ group games and netted in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup last month.
If called upon, Arteta can be safe in the knowledge that the stand-in star is ready to hit the ground running after his European stints this term.
Despite boasting considerably less game time than Jesus, Nketiah’s goal return of three is only two-goals less than the Brazilian whose total stands at five.
He enjoyed a strong run at the end of last season with five goals in seven Premier League games.
Folarin Balogun
If Arteta is looking to inject some added firepower into his side then he should look no further than Folarin Balogun.
The Arsenal loanee has been in fantastic form for Ligue 1 side Reims this season and has netted eight times, equalling the combined tally of Nketiah and Jesus.
Balogun was brought in as a replacement for Hugo Ekitike who left for Paris Saint-Germain and has hit the ground running, immediately making himself a fan favourite.
The 21-year-old can even boast that he has scored more goals this season than Lionel Messi.
Should Arteta look to recall the England under-21 striker, Arsenal would be welcoming back a better player than the one they offloaded to Reims in the summer.
Balogun has improved in all facets of his game and added a composure in front of goal which has been evident on a number of occasions this term.
Emile Smith Rowe
The Arsenal youngster has suffered with a groin injury this season but could play a key role if called upon by Arteta.
The versatile Smith Rowe could be deployed as a false nine and it appears that Arteta would have no problem with the 22-year-old filling the void left by Jesus, if required.
“I think he can play in four positions,” Arteta said in February.
“As a left winger, a left attacking midfielder, a right attacking midfielder and he can play as a nine, very, very well.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal delve into the transfer market or whether they look closer to home to solve their dilemma but before Arsenal go into panic mode, utilising their current crop could be the best and cheapest alternative ahead of their title charge.
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