Mikel Arteta has frankly admitted he fears an impending injury setback for Gabriel Jesus after the ace striker limped out of Tuesday’s Champions League win at Sevilla.
Jesus provided the crucial assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal on the stroke of half-time before scoring a superb second goal himself eight minutes into the second half. The Gunners fought tenaciously to ward off a spirited fightback that saw Nemanja Gudelj executing a 58th-minute header at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
However, Jesus had to exit the pitch holding his hamstring nine minutes from time. Arteta said: “He felt something in his hamstring so let’s see.
“He straight away asked to be subbed, which is not good news because he’s not a player that does that at all, so we’ll have to wait and see in the next few days. [I’m] really sad because he felt something and I’m worried about that.”
Jesus, who had been out of action the first six weeks of the season after undergoing a minor knee operation, will be closely monitored in the coming days with the Arsenal v Sheffield United at the Etihad coming up in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arteta was quick to laud the 26-year-old’s match-winning contribution in Andalusia, adding: “Big games are for big players.
“He needed to produce those moments to win in a stadium like this. He’s done it for us in a really big way.
“I think he changed our world. He brought so much belief and energy to that team, He needs to step in in those moments. He’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable for the team. We need those players to win games.”
Arsenal now top Champions League Group B after Lens drew 1-1 with PSV Eindhoven.