Mikel Arteta says Jesus injury a major concern

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the injury to Gabriel Jesus was a "major concern" for the club following their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, with the Brazilian striker being stretchered off during the match.

Jesus was injured in a challenge with Bruno Fernandes in his own penalty area and had to leave the pitch early in the first half as Arsenal lost on penalties to Ruben Amorim's side.

The injury adds to Arsenal's injury list, which is already without long-term absentee Bukayo Saka, while Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also on the injured list.

"It's a major concern, that's the feeling I had, he was stretchered off with severe pain in his knee and it didn't look good," Arteta said after the game.

"It was the other knee that was injured (not the one injured in the World Cup). He felt bad and had to leave the pitch."

Kai Havertz missed multiple chances, including a crucial penalty, in the shootout loss to Manchester United, which drew criticism, with many believing Arsenal needed to bring in a striker in January.

Asked if he thought the current squad was strong enough or if the club felt the same, Arteta said: "No. That's our reality at the moment."

"We are not close to signing anyone at the moment, we are focusing on the players we have."

“The club is always working hard and we are always trying to improve the squad, but it has to be based on our resources and bringing in players who can really improve us.”