Topics: Gabriel Jesus, Brazil, Arsenal, FIFA World Cup, English Premier League
The Brazilian ace picked up an injury in Qatar and was forced to return to London. Unfortunately, the issue is a lot more serious than initially expected.

The Premier League season returns later this month, and while its resumption will bring excitement, one club have been rocked with a huge blow ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures.

And they are none other than Arsenal, the current English top-flight leaders. The Gunners have a number of players at the FIFA World Cup but one of their most crucial attackers, Gabriel Jesus, could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in Qatar.

The Brazilian attacker picked up this issue during his first start for the Selecao at this tournament, which came in the 1-0 loss to Cameroon. The 25-year-old's FIFA World Cup campaign was subsequently ended but the initial hope was that he would be sidelined for three to four weeks.

Unfortunately, further tests and scans revealed that the player is in need of surgery after injuring his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee. As a result, the former Manchester City ace will spend a number of months recovering.

The Telegraph broke this story on Tuesday in what will be a huge concern for Arteta's men. The duration of Jesus' absence remains unclear as it all depends on how the ligament heals but a three-month layoff has been tipped as the best-case scenario.

The North London giants are currently in Dubai where they will train and play a couple of friendly games. Eddie Nketiah, who signed a new deal over the summer, should deputize while Martinelli and the returning Smith Rowe have been highlighted as possible solutions.

Arsenal's first game back will be a Boxing Day showdown with London rivals West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, Brazil will continue their 2022 FIFA World Cup without the attacker as the Selecao prepare to take on Croatia in the quarterfinals.