Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus suffered a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League win over Sevilla on Tuesday night.
The Brazil international contributed at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, setting up Gabriel Martinelli’s corner before scoring early in the second half as the Gunners held off the Europa League champions after Nemanja Gudelj’s header.
The win took Arteta top of Group B, a point ahead of second-placed Lens and four ahead of Tuesday night’s opponents, but the Spanish boss confirmed Jesus had taken a knock and asked to be sent off.
“He felt something in his thigh,” Arteta said. “Let’s see. He immediately asked to be signed which is not good news because Gabi is not a player who does that at all so we will have to wait and see in the next few days.”
Former Manchester City striker Jesus was out from December to March in the 2022/23 season after injuring his knee at the World Cup in Qatar and also missed games in August this year.
Arsenal beat Spain on Tuesday / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
However, the 26-year-old himself brushed off any lingering injury fears, saying the knock was probably nothing to worry about.
He said: “I felt something. Let’s see. I did some tests with the physio, it doesn’t look that big, but let’s see. I’m going to have a scan, maybe tomorrow. I’m pretty sure that will be nothing.”
Jesus’ performance drew high praise from Arteta, who highlighted Arsenal’s need for their best players to perform at crucial moments.
He added: “Big games are for big players. He had to produce those moments to win in a stadium like this.
“He came here for a reason. I think he changed our world. He brought so much belief and energy to the team. He has to step in in those moments. He has. That’s when a player becomes responsible for the team. “
“He’s front and center. He’s changed our energy. These games are for big players. He showed that tonight.
“We need these players to win games. If you want to play Manchester City, go to Stamford Bridge, then come here – that’s the stage we’re at now. To come here and win, it’s a huge honor for the boys.”
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