Soccer-No timescale on Jesus return, says Arsenal boss Arteta

(Reuters) – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he has no timescale for when striker Gabriel Jesus will recover from his knee injury and that the Premier League side will look at their options ahead of next month’s transfer window.

Jesus was forced off the pitch during Brazil’s 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in their final group match at the World Cup and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

The 25-year-old forward underwent surgery on his right knee, with reports saying he could be sidelined for up to three months.

Jesus has scored five goals in 20 matches for league leaders Arsenal in all competitions this season following his move from Manchester City.

When asked if the injury would affect Arsenal’s plans in the January transfer window, Arteta said the Brazilian’s absence would be keenly felt as he gives the team “so much”.

“What we can do after that when we know a little bit about the timescale and when we can have him back, we will look at the options and try to make the right decision,” added Arteta, speaking after a 3-0 win over Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais in a friendly in Dubai.

“Obviously, we know that he needed some intervention in the knee, and we’ll have to take it day by day, week by week, and see where that takes us.”

Arsenal, who have a five-point lead over City at the top of the table after 14 games, return to league action on Dec. 26 when they host West Ham United.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)