Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has undergone successful surgery on his injured right knee.
Jesus got injured in Brazil’s last group game against Cameroon in the World Cup on Friday. The striker came off for Brazil during the 1-0 defeat in the 64th minute. He has been ruled out of the remainder of Brazil’s campaign in the World Cup in Qatar.
Arsenal said the 25-year-old has had an operation and is starting his rehabilitation. They did not give a timescale for recovery. Reports have suggested Jesus could be out for up to three months.
An Arsenal statement read: “Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will be working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Arsenal is currently top of the Premier League table five points ahead of their nearest challengers Manchester City.
Jesus has scored five goals for the Premier League leaders in all competitions this season after signing from Manchester City in the summer.
Arsenal restarts their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day when they host West Ham.
The Gunners have Eddie Nketiah as striker back-up while Gabriel Martinelli can also play in a centre-forward role if required.
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Tite’s denial
After contracting his injury, rumours came out that Jesus had been carrying a niggle before the encounter with Cameroon, but they were angrily pushed aside by Tite.
“I don’t like hearing lies out there, evil lies,” the Brazil boss said. “At no time do we play for victory at the risk of a player’s peril.
“The liar who’s out there – because that’s the name isn’t it, the haters, right?
“We are responsible, we are personally responsible, we are ethical and it would never have happened.
“I didn’t want this to happen, it’s a shame, we are very sorry for Gabriel.”
