Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has called Gabriel Jesus' knee injury a "shame" after the Brazilian picked up a knee injury at the World Cup that could keep him out for three months. The striker was forced off shortly after the hour mark in Brazil's group-stage defeat to Cameroon and will miss the rest of the tournament.
Jesus, 25, has been key to Mikel Arteta's side since his summer arrival from Manchester City with goals and his all-round goal instrumental to the Gunners' style of play. His form has coincided with Arsenal's rise to the top of the Premier League and earned him a place in Brazil's World Cup squad.
However, Tottenham's Richarlison has been preferred by Tite and Jesus was only handed his first start in the final group game after booking their place in the round of 16. However, a needless challenge has resulted in Arteta being without his number nine for the foreseeable future ahead of their intense Premier League title charge alongside Manchester City.
READ MORE: Arsenal's two-man Gabriel Jesus replacement list after Edu transfer meeting with Stan Kroenke
Arteta and technical director Edu have just under a month before the January transfer window opens and it's expected the recruitment team at the Emirates Stadium will ponder delving into the market to add a short-term replacement to the squad. However, Jesus' importance within the Gunners squad isn't to be underestimated.
One fellow Arsenal player who is out in Qatar, Tomiyasu, has admitted he feels sorry for his club teammate after learning of Jesus' injury whilst partaking in a mixed zone with journalists. In a clip that is surfing social media, Tomiyasu is pictured seeming worried over Jesus' news and confirming he had not known.
"It's a shame, because obviously to play in a World Cup is a big dream for us, for every football player. So I'm sorry for him, but hopefully he will be back soon."
Tomiyasu is in action this afternoon as Japan face Spain in their World Cup last-16 tie. Should they win, the 24-year-old will face either Brazil or South Korea.
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