Arsenal learn devastating extent of Gabriel Jesus injury | OneFootball

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is thought to have suffered a ruptured ACL during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, which could force the Gunners to invest in the transfer market, according to a report.

Jesus had to be stretchered off in the first half of Arsenal's third-round tie on Sunday after a clash with Bruno Fernandes. The Brazilian forward had previously appeared to tweak his knee when landing awkwardly and covered his face in anguish as he was helped off the pitch.

Mikel Arteta couldn't give any concrete updates on Jesus' status in the immediate aftermath of the contest, but did warn that it was a "big worry" and was "not looking good".

The Athletic now claim that Jesus is "suspected" to have suffered an ACL rupture in his left knee. More tests are required to confirm the diagnosis, but there is a strong belief that the Brazilian will be sidelined for the rest of the season and beyond. If it is an ACL tear, Jesus isn't likely to return for at least nine months.

Gabriel Jesus only lasted 40 minutes against Man Utd / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

This huge blow, coupled with the continued absence of Bukayo Saka, may force Arsenal to recruit emergency, short-term attacking reinforcements.

The Gunners have been linked with Premier League-proven talent in the form of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak and Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo. However, neither forward is expected to be on the move in January.

While The Athletic don't name any target, the report claims that Arsenal would be willing to secure an overseas loan to bolster Arteta's diminished frontline.

The Arsenal boss confirmed that the club were open to winter recruitment. "We are actively looking into the market to improve the squad," Arteta revealed on Tuesday morning. "We always have been. It would be naive not too. We are looking and we are trying, so let's see what we can do.

"To recruit a player there are three parties who have to agree to that. The fact I love my players doesn’t mean we can’t think about improving. We do daily and when the market comes around we have to make sure we have the best resources and capacity to compete the way that we want to."

Following the penalty shootout exit to Manchester United, Arsenal's season hangs in the balance. Six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and trailing Newcastle 2-0 heading into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at St James' Park next month, the Champions League may be the club's last avenue for silverware.