Mikel Arteta makes worrying admission over Gabriel Jesus injury

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Gabriel Jesus suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Brazil international made a vital contribution at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, setting up Gabriel Martinelli’s opener before scoring early in the second half as the Gunners held off a comeback from the Europa League champions following Nemanja Gudelj’s header.

The victory took Arteta’s side to the top of Group B, a point ahead of second-place Lens and four in front on Tuesday night’s opponents, but the Spanish manager confirmed Jesus took a blow and asked to come off.

“He felt something in his hamstring,” Arteta revealed. “Let’s see. He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because Gabi is not a player that does that at all so we will have to wait to see in the next few days.”

Former Manchester City forward Jesus was out from December to March in the 2022/23 season after picking up a knee injury at the World Cup in Qatar and also missed for games in August this year.

However, the 26-year-old himself brushed off any fears of a long-term injury, claiming the knock is likely nothing to worry about.

He said: “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.”

Jesus’ performance drew big praise from Arteta, who pointed towards Arsenal’s need for their best players to stand up in crucial moments.

He added: “Big games are for big players. He needed 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 that team. He needs to step in in those moments. He’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable for the team.

“He’s paramount. He has changed our energy. These games are for big players. He has shown that tonight.

“We need those players to win games. If you want to play Manchester City, then go to Stamford Bridge, then come here – that’s the level we’re at right now. To come here and win, big credit to the boys.”