Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that the club have suffered a huge blow following the knee surgery for Gabriel Jesus earlier this month.
The Brazilian picked up a knee injury during the 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the World Cup group stage and he subsequently underwent an operation for the same.
Jesus is now sidelined for three months and Arteta has accepted that the club are short in options in the forward department as Reiss Nelson is also injured.
Speaking to the Gunners’ official website today, Arteta said that it is impossible to replace Jesus as he brings something very different to the team up front.
However, he added that Eddie Nketiah has incredible qualities as well and the club also have other alternatives such as the option of Gabriel Martinelli leading the line.
He told Arsenal.com: “It’s a huge blow for us, obviously. He’s such an important player: he’s brought something very different to the team and it’s impossible to replace him. But we have other players, other alternatives and we’ll try to get that sorted. The transfer window is another option.”
“I think [Jesus] is a unique player but Eddie has incredible qualities as well for the way we want to play. We have other alternatives in that we can play Martinelli up front as well. We are currently a little bit short in terms of upfront positions but getting Emile back is going to be a big one.”
