Arsenal Manager Arteta Speaks Out on Jesus Injury, Online Abuse, and Transfer Market

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides updates on Gabriel Jesus' injury, the club's transfer plans, and condemns online abuse suffered by Kai Havertz.

Arsenal's Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, according to British media reports. The 27-year-old Jesus was stretchered off the pitch before the end of the first half in Arsenal's FA Cup tie against Manchester United on Sunday, which Mikel Arteta's side lost on penalties.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on Jesus' condition, stating, “We know more now. It is not looking good at all. We need to review with one more specialist and will have better information this afternoon.” Arteta was cautious not to confirm the severity of the injury until the final report is received, saying, “I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried after the game and we are very worried today.”

Jesus had recently found his goalscoring form, netting his first league goals of the season with a double against Crystal Palace in December, followed by another goal in a win over Brentford on New Year's Day. He also scored a hat-trick against Palace in a League Cup quarter-final game last month. Jesus joined Arsenal in 2022, having won four league titles with Manchester City.

The injury to Jesus may prompt Arsenal to seek a new striker during the January transfer window. However, according to Arteta, the club's recruitment plans may not be limited to just one position.

Sending all our love to those affected by the wildfires in LA ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qHPoPXkfOV

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 14, 2025

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal's injury concerns extend beyond Gabriel Jesus, saying, “We have other issues as well. A player can bring things to a team in different ways. That is what we are trying to do.” The manager emphasized the club's proactive approach to strengthening the squad, stating, “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We would be naive not to do that. There is an opportunity to improve the squad.”

Arteta also addressed the online abuse suffered by Kai Havertz after the forward's penalty was saved during Sunday's shootout, which led to Arsenal's exit from the FA Cup. The manager condemned the abuse, saying, “It is incredible, honestly. We really have to do something about it. Accepting and hiding this has terrible consequences. It is something we have to eradicate from the game.” Arteta emphasized the need for perspective, highlighting Havertz's recent contributions to the team. “On the 27th December, we won 1-0 and Kai Havertz scored the goal. That was 20 days ago. Guys, what is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and how we talk.”

Sending all our love to those affected by the wildfires in LA ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qHPoPXkfOV

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 14, 2025

Looking ahead to the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Arteta expressed his enthusiasm for the highly anticipated match. “It is the nicest game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the people, us and everyone that is involved,” he said. The manager acknowledged the crucial role of the fans in creating an electric atmosphere, stating, “The atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off.”