Arsenal have been hit with another injury blow with striker Gabriel Jesus set for a long spell on the sidelines with a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The Brazilian attacker was take off on a stretcher in agony after a challenge from Bruno Fernandes during Sunday's FA Cup defeat against Manchester United.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that the injury was a “big worry” and it was “not looking good” for a player who had scored six goals in his last seven games.
Arsenal are already without the services of Bukayo Saka who was forced to undergo surgery last month after the England winger tore his hamstring during the Gunners' win over Crystal Palace.
In their previous three games, Arsenal have drawn at Brighton in the league, lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final first leg, and were then beaten by United on penalties at the weekend.
A lack of cutting edge up front was a key factor in all three defeats and now Arteta is set to be without his only recognised central attacker, potentially for the rest of the campaign.
“[It's] not looking good at all, but we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon,” said the Spanish coach ahead of Wednesday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
“I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were every worried straight after the game and we are very worried today.”
Arsenal have already fallen six points behind runaway leaders Liverpool in the title race, with the Merseyside club also having a game in hand.
They have already played four matches this year and face a further five matches before the end of January alone in what is a relentless schedule.
With a place in the Champions League knockout stage all but sealed, the need to bolster his squad in this month's transfer window has become critical to their hopes of lifting their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020.
“My answer doesn’t change,” said Arteta, when asked whether they are looking to bring in new signings. “We are actively looking into the market to improve the squad.
“We always have been. It would be naive not too. We are looking and we are trying, so let’s see what we can do.
“To recruit a player there are three parties who have to agree to that. The fact I love my players doesn’t mean we can’t think about improving.
“We do daily and when the market comes around we have to make sure we have the best resources and capacity to compete the way that we want to.”
And Arteta made it clear it is not just up front that will need strengthening. “We have to believe that something will make us better,” he added. “Not just in that position, as we have other issues.
“A player can bring a lot to a team in different ways. We are going to hope and believe and that is what we are trying to do.”
Next up are local rivals Spurs, who have had problems of their own of late after a nightmare run of injuries that contributed to them dropping down to 12th in the table.
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Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir celebrates after saving Kai Havertz's shoot-out penalty during Manchester United's FA Cup third-round win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on January 12, 2025. The game finished 1-1 after extra-time with United winning the shoot-out 5-3. Reuters -
United attacker Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring the match-winning penalty in the shoot-out. Getty Images -
A dejected Kai Havertz after the match following his shoot-out miss. Reuters -
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice shoots for goal but his effort is saved. AFP -
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice reacts after his shot was saved by United keeper Altay Bayindir. AFP -
Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir saves a penalty from Martin Odegaard of Arsenal. Reuters -
Arsenal's Kai Havertz misses an opportunity to win the game late on after shooting over bar. PA -
Martin Odegaard misses from the penalty spot for Arsenal. Getty Images -
United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir saves a penalty from Arsenal's Martin Odegaard. Getty Images -
United and Arsenal players clash after the home side were awarded a penalty for an apparent foul on Kai Havertz. Getty Images -
Tempers flare between Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Kai Havertz after Arsenal were awarded a penalty. PA -
Gabriel shoots for Arsenal as his effort takes a big deflection off Matthijs de Ligt before finding the back of the net to make it 1-1. Getty Images -
Gabriel celebrates after scoring for Arsenal in the 63rd minute. Getty Images -
Manchester United show their disbelief after Diogo Dalot is shown a red card by referee Andrew Madley. PA -
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring to put his team 1-0 up. AP -
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes opens the scoring in the 52nd minute. Reuters -
Gabriel Jesus picked up a knee injury during Arsenal's FA Cup third-round defeat against Manchester United. PA -
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes argues with referee Andy Madley after he was shown a yellow card for fouling Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus. AFP -
Gabriel Martinelli scores for Arsenal but the goal was disallowed for offside. EPA -
Arsenal attacker Gabriel Jesus is carried off the pitch on a stretcher. AP
On Sunday, they came close to a humiliating FA Cup exit needing extra-time to overcome fifth-tier outfit Tamworth in the FA Cup in what manager Ange Postecoglou described as “a challenging game”.
Both teams will now be looking for a derby victory that will give their flagging campaigns a much-needed boost.
“This is the most challenging period that we’ve had as we’ve lost important players in crucial moments,” added Arteta. “We have to adapt but, after everything, look how the team has performed.
“Yes, we lost on Sunday but we have to embrace it and get the best out of it and be creative.
“It is the best time to play [Tottenham] as we know what the game means to all of us.
“It is the nicest game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the people – us and everyone that is involved.
“The atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off. Let's do it.”
