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Arsenal have been hit hard by the news that striker Gabriel Jesus looks set for a sideline spell.
The 25-year-old was sent off in Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon on Friday after complaining of pain in his right knee.
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Neymar consoled Gabriel Jesus after limping in Brazil’s loss to Cameroon
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 sidelined for an extended period.
According Sportv, the Arsenal star will return to London on Sunday where he will need knee surgery. The proceedings mean Jesus could miss three months of action for Mikel Arteta’s table tops.
The news couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsenal as they prepare to resume their quest to clinch a first Premier League title since 2004.
Arsenal welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day and a victory for the Gunners could see them extend their lead at the top to eight points before nearest challengers Manchester City play again.
But the loss of Jesus will be a blow to Arteta’s high-flyers, particularly in January when their title credentials will be tested against Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United.
The Gunners are also set to play Man City in February.
Arteta has time to weigh his options before the resumption and if he chooses to stay rather than twist in the January transfer window, he has three options at his disposal to provide cover until Jesus does. his return.
Eddie Nketiah could provide Mikel Arteta with a similar option in attack
Eddie Nketiah
The Arsenal academy graduate has had his playing time in the Premier League limited to substitute appearances due to Jesus’ form.
Nketiah is yet to find 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 scored in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup last month.
If called up, Arteta can be sure the substitute star is ready to hit the ground running after his European stints this term.
Despite having considerably less playing time than Jesus, Nketiah’s three-goal comeback is only two goals less than the Brazilian whose tally is five.
He had a solid run at the end of last season with five goals in seven Premier League games.
Folarin Balogun has been in superb form for Reims, even beating Lionel Messi this season
Folarin Balogun
If Arteta is looking to inject some extra firepower into his side, he should look no further than Folarin Balogun.
The Arsenal loanee has been in fantastic form for Reims in Ligue 1 this season and has scored eight times, equaling the combined tally of Nketiah and Jesus.
Balogun was named as the replacement for Hugo Ekitike who left for Paris Saint-Germain and started off with a bang, making himself an immediate fan favourite.
The 21-year-old can even boast of having scored more goals this season than Lionel Messi.
Should Arteta look to recall the England Under-21 striker, Arsenal would once again welcome a better player than the one he offloaded at Reims in the summer.
Balogun has improved in all facets of his game and added a composure in front of goal that has been evident many times this season.
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Arteta previously admitted that Smith Rowe could be used as a false nine
Emile Smith Rowe
The Arsenal youngster has struggled with a groin injury this season but could play a key role if called up by Arteta.
The versatile Smith Rowe could be deployed as a false nine and it looks like Arteta would have no problem with the 22-year-old filling the void left by Jesus, if necessary.
“I think he can play four positions,” Arteta said in February.
“As a left winger, left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a nine, very, very well.”
Whether Arsenal dive into the transfer market or look closer to home to resolve their dilemma remains to be seen, but before Arsenal go into panic mode, using their current crop could be the best. and the cheapest alternative before its title charge.
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