Arsenal could be without Gabriel Jesus until 2026

Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations have taken a significant hit with the news that striker Gabriel Jesus is expected to be sidelined until late 2026 due to a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury could rule him out until 2026

The Brazilian forward sustained the injury during the FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United on January 12, 2025. Subsequent assessments confirmed the extent of the damage, necessitating surgical intervention.

While the club has not officially provided a detailed timeline for his return, reports suggest that Jesus’s rehabilitation could extend into November 2026.

This development compounds Arsenal’s recent struggles on the field. The Gunners have experienced a challenging week, with a home draw against West Ham followed by a goalless stalemate at Nottingham Forest.

These results have widened the gap between Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool to 13 points, casting doubts over their title challenge.

Manager Mikel Arteta now faces the daunting task of reshaping his attacking lineup in the absence of Jesus.

The team’s lack of a clinical striker was evident in the recent draw against Forest, where makeshift forward Mikel Merino managed the only shot on target.

With Kai Havertz also sidelined due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery, Arsenal’s attacking options are severely limited.

In response to this crisis, interim sporting director Jason Ayto is reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of new strikers in the upcoming transfer window.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a primary target, though securing his signature may prove challenging. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is another name linked with the Gunners, but his substantial transfer fee could be a stumbling block.

Additionally, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins remains on Arsenal’s radar, with reports suggesting a potential £40 million bid.

The urgency to bolster the squad is palpable, as Arteta aims to keep Arsenal competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

The upcoming fixtures present further challenges, with matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Fulham, and Everton on the horizon. The club’s ability to navigate this turbulent period will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their season.

As Gabriel Jesus embarks on his recovery journey, the Arsenal faithful will be hoping for a swift and successful rehabilitation, while the club’s management works diligently to reinforce the squad and reignite their campaign.