Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Jesus after Arsenal star misses pivotal Liverpool clash
Posted by  badge Boss on Feb 04
Gabriel Jesus missed Arsenal’s big game against Liverpool (Photo: Getty)

is hopeful that the knee injury that has ruled out of vs is only a ‘short-term thing’.

host Liverpool in a , as defeat for the Gunners would leave them eight points off the Reds at the top of the table.

Arteta has made two changes to the starting XI that beat midweek, with Jesus and dropping out for Kai Havertz and Jorginho.

Jesus scored at the City Ground, but his manager later revealed that .

It was always touch and go whether Jesus would be fit enough to start against Liverpool, though .

But he wasn’t even on the bench for Sunday’s match at the Emirates, in another huge blow for the Gunners.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Arteta said: ‘Unfortunately he had a setback in training and wasn’t fit to play.

‘It’s something to do with the knee, but I think it’s a short-term thing.’

Explaining the decision to start Havertz over Eddie Nketiah, the manager added: ‘Every game is different and the type of game that we expect against Liverpool – We already played them twice and we know what to expect from each other.

‘I chose the players that are best to start the game.’

Jesus has now missed 10 games thanks to injuries this season, and has only completed 90 minutes just five times so far.

.  and .