Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is facing uncertainty for Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League match against Sheffield United. The doubts stem from a hamstring injury he sustained during Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Sevilla, despite having scored and provided an assist in that game. In the immediate aftermath of the match, Jesus expressed optimism about the injury, saying, “I felt something. Let’s see. I did some tests with the physio, it looks not that big, but let’s see. I have a scan, maybe tomorrow. I’m pretty sure it will be nothing.”
However, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has cast doubt on Jesus’s availability for the weekend game at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta stated, “Yeah, again, the scan showed that there is a muscle injury, and we might lose him for a few weeks again.” He also noted that Gabriel Jesus tends to surprise with the timeframe of his recoveries. Jesus had already missed a significant portion of the season due to knee surgery in July, making his potential absence a frustrating setback for Arsenal.
In Jesus’s absence, Arteta has options like Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, and Leandro Trossard to consider as replacements. Nketiah has often been Arteta’s choice to fill in for the Brazilian this season, although Havertz and Trossard have also started games in the forward role.
Thomas Partey Expected to Miss Sheffield United Clash
Another blow for Arsenal is the expected absence of midfielder Thomas Partey for the Sheffield United clash. Partey, who had recently returned from a six-week absence due to a groin injury just before the October international break, sustained a new muscle injury during training at London Colney on Monday. Arteta confirmed the setback, saying, “He’s got a muscle injury, and we expect him to be out for a few weeks. He picked up that injury with the last kick of the ball, so it is very unfortunate.”
In Partey’s absence, Jorginho has been filling the defensive midfield position in the last three matches. However, Declan Rice could also be considered for this role, offering Arteta some tactical flexibility.
Arsenal’s Upcoming Clash with Sheffield United
Arsenal is set to host Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm BST. With Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey facing potential absences, Arteta will need to make key decisions regarding the lineup. Fans can stay updated with all the build-up, match coverage, and reactions on the football.london matchday blog, which goes live four hours before kick-off.
