Arteta reveals why Gabriel Jesus missed Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa

Despite securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the win was overshadowed by concerns over the fitness of star striker Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was notably absent from the matchday squad at Villa Park, with Arteta confirming that the Brazilian felt a discomfort during training on Thursday.

“He felt something in training yesterday,” Arteta explained. “We need to assess him properly. He will have an MRI scan, and we are expecting the results tomorrow or on Monday.”

The news comes as a blow to Arsenal, who are already facing concerns over squad depth and are actively exploring potential signings in the closing stages of the transfer window. Jesus’ absence was keenly felt against Aston Villa, with the Gunners needing a second-half substitute appearance from Leandro Trossard to break the deadlock.

The extent of Jesus’ injury remains unclear, with the results of his scan providing further clarity. While Arsenal secured a vital three points in the absence of their talismanic striker, the potential for a significant absence will undoubtedly raise concerns for Arteta and his team.

With the upcoming clash against Brighton looming, the manager will be hoping for positive news regarding Jesus’ recovery. The striker’s availability for the Brighton match, and potentially for the upcoming international break, will be crucial for Arsenal’s continued success in the early stages of the season.