If journalist's claim is correct, Arsenal's title chances could be derailed before January ends - TBR View

By Lee Connor

Arsenal fans will all have the same question their lips this afternoon and that question will be ‘just how long is Gabriel Jesus going to be out for?’.

The Gunners have been rocked by news coming from the World Cup that Jesus is injured. The striker has sustained a knee injury which will keep him out of the tournament. For Arsenal, there is now an anxious wait to see just how serious the damage is.

So far this season, Jesus has been integral for the Gunners. He has only lost once in the Premier League, and the time he lost while playing in Europe came in a game against PSV he only featured for 27 minutes of. Certainly, it’s a record that points to his importance to this Arsenal side.

How long Jesus is out for remains to be seen. However, if Fabrizio Romano’s initial claim that it’s going to be at least January until Jesus returns, paints a worrying picture for the Gunners.

Jesus injury leaves Arsenal title chances in the balance

While it might sound dramatic to insinuate one player being out ruins everything, Jesus is that important for Arsenal.

We saw last season how the Gunners fell away. That was partly down to squad depth, and the fact remains that they don’t have an adequate replacement for Jesus. Or at least one of equal quality.

Looking into December and January, there could be key games Jesus misses. The Gunners face West Ham at home on Boxing Day before a tricky trip to Brighton rounds out 2022. On the 3rd of January they face a resurgent Newcastle, before the 15th sees them play Spurs.

That takes us to mid-January. If Jesus is missing for those games, you do fear points will be lost. And with Man City facing Everton, Leeds, and Chelsea in that period, you’d expect Pep’s side to take nine points. That could be the swing needed to essentially hand City the title.

Arsenal, then, simply have to hope Jesus is back. With a bit of luck, Romano’s call here has jumped the gun and scans show less damage than expected. If not, then Gunners fans’ worst fears have materialised at this World Cup.