Arsenal’s worst fears are that Brazil international striker Gabriel Jesus has suffered cartilage or ligament damage, according to the Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel.
The 27-year-old Gunners star picked up a serious knee injury during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday and had to be stretchered off.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his worry after the game when asked about the injury, and the latest update could raise questions over whether Jesus can play again this season.
The South American may need to go under the knife if he has suffered cartilage or ligament damage, and he is unlikely to play again this season should he undergo surgery.
The number of months a full recovery will take after an operation could be much, and Arsenal may have no choice but to sign another forward during the ongoing January transfer window.
However, they will be keen to wait for the results of scans and consult specialists before making a decision, and there are just three weeks left for them to make up their mind.
The North Londoners are also without Bukayo Saka, and failure to strengthen in attack could end their Premier League title chances.
There have been calls to sign a new forward even when both Jesus and the England international were fit, and the Gunners may now be left without a choice.
The onus is on them to ensure they pull out all the stops and bring in a quality forward capable of improving their fortunes in the attacking third before the winter window closes.
Arsenal are out of the FA Cup, close to being eliminated from the Carabao Cup and will struggle to impress in the Champions League and Premier League with their current squad.
