Gabriel Jesus is now a major doubt for Arsenal's clash with Newcastle United after the Brazil international aggravated a knee injury at the World Cup. The forward could be ruled out for three months after feeling pain in his right knee during their Group G defeat to Cameroon on Friday.
Having already booked their place in knockout stages, Brazil made nine changes for their 1-0 loss against the Indomitable Lions. Jesus was handed his first start of the tournament, but was replaced just after the hour-mark by Pedro.
Brazilian outlet Globo claim the former Manchester City star has been carrying the knee injury for a while. Jesus along with Alex Telles underwent MRI scans on Saturday morning, with Brazil's football association (CBF) later confirming the pair would not be fit to return during the World Cup.
Reports now suggest he will need an operation which will rule him out for at least three months. The league leaders return to action on Boxing Day at home to West Ham, followed by a trip to in-form Brighton on New Year's Eve.
Newcastle are the first visitors to Emirates Stadium in 2023. The Magpies are due to face Arsenal on January 3 in front of the Sky Sports cameras, and the hosts look set to be without their first-choice forward.
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