Pep Guardiola has stated that he is ‘so sorry’ for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after he picked up an injury during Brazil’s World Cup campaign in Qatar, as he told his Manchester City press conference.
The Manchester City boss added that he wishes Jesus could play ‘immediately’ for Arsenal, even if Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting at the top of the Premier League table.
In the summer, Jesus swapped the colours of Manchester City for Arsenal and the 25-year-old has been a key figure in the London club sitting at the top of the table.
But ligament damage, which was suffered at the World Cup, now means that he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
It’s not yet known how long Jesus will be sidelined for, but either way, Guardiola acknowledges his absence ahead of the return of Premier League football on Boxing Day.
“I am so sorry for Gabriel,” said Guardiola. “I would prefer that he could play immediately with Arsenal. He’s an important player for them, like he was for us.
“I want him to have an incredible and speedy recovery – I am so sorry for him because I know there isn’t one person at this club who could speak badly about him. But he will be back.”
ARSENAL’S JESUS BLOW
Forget about the goals, what Arsenal will miss most about Jesus is what he does outside of putting the ball into the back of the net.
The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have been outstanding this season, including being allowed to make those goalscoring runs and game-changing moments in the final third.
But Jesus’ movement off the ball, ability to drag the opposition out of space and connect with his teammates in the final third has played a huge part in those around him doing so well.
