The celebratory fixtures Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could miss after a knee injury ruled him out of the World Cup, the Brazilian is unlikely to return until the New Year

Gabriel Jesus is set to miss a number of crucial games for Brazil and Arsenal after a knee injury ended his World Cup.

The 25-year-old has been kicked out of the World Tournament in Qatar in a blow to the South American giants.

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Jesus started his first World Cup game on Friday night in Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the Group G final.

But Jesus has failed to register on the scoresheet, with the striker yet to find the back of the net at a World Cup since his tournament debut in Russia in 2018.

He was substituted in the 64th minute after experiencing pain in his right knee, with the striker being consoled by Neymar late in the game.

And his persistent knee problem finally ended his World Cup, with the former Manchester City star needing to rest and recuperate as he thankfully avoids needing surgery.

His move could now see him miss at least the next eight for club and country, provided Brazil progress to the final.

The Selecao face South Korea in the round of 16 on Monday, with Brazil’s potential quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals set to take place on December 9, 13 and 18 respectively.

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And if Brazil were eliminated in the semi-finals, they would enter the third-place play-off on December 17.

Just after the World Cup, attention would then turn to the restart of the Premier League.

Jesus was instrumental in helping Arsenal dominate the league, although he hasn’t scored since the North London derby win over Tottenham in early October.

West Ham are the first for the Gunners after the international break, where they welcome David Moyes’ side to the Emirates on Boxing Day.

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This game is probably too early for Jesus to return, with the player not expected to return to action until some time in the New Year.

Jesus could also miss the trip to Brighton on New Year’s Eve, as well as the home draw against Newcastle on January 3.

Arsenal next face Oxford in the FA Cup third round on January 9 in a match where Jesus would have been rested despite being fully fit.

Mikel Arteta is hoping to bring the former Palmeiras marksman back for the game against Spurs a week later.

And with Arsenal to fight Manchester United in the capital on January 22, Arteta will be desperate for Jesus to fire on all cylinders.