The 2024/25 season has slowly but surely turned into a minefield for Arsenal. First, there was the early FA Cup exit, the devastating news about Gabriel Jesus's injury, and it now feels like the winds that once blew in his favor are against the London side. The loss of the Brazilian forward, so vital in their attack machinery, sends the club into a realm of uncertainty and further deepens the tension among the team members and in the transfer market.
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A chronicle of a foretold tragedy
The cruellest cut, at the core, of them all: Jesus's injury. During the FA Cup match against Manchester United, the forward tried to nick the ball off Bruno Fernandes but went down, holding his left knee. A preliminary diagnosis says anterior cruciate ligament tear-what would be his second such problem, this time in the opposite knee to the one injured in 2022.
For Arteta, this setback is all emotional rather than just physical. Jesus was in phenomenal goal-scoring form. Six times on target in five appearances between December and January. His presence in the attack gives a certain dynamism that Arsenal needed desperately. Now with Kai Havertz as his only fit forward, options are low and the urge to strengthen that part of the squad has never been more strong.
Injury labyrinth for Arsenal
The injury list at Arsenal reads like a hospital roster: Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and now Gabriel Jesus. While Arteta has spoken optimistically about the transfer market, finding quality reinforcements mid-season is no small feat.
He said at a news conference recently: "We are looking actively at the market to improve the squad. It would be naive not to", easily said. Many clubs remain cagey in letting go of their key men, and the inflated prices that come with signing players during the winter window makes life all the tougher. And then, Arsenal race against time to address key areas.
First one there is a talent haunted by injurie
From the right knee injury at the 2022 World Cup against Cameroon to some other setbacks in early 2024, Gabriel Jesus' career has been made of bright moments on the pitch and incessant tussles with his body. Recoveries and heartbreak describe the story of the Brazilian thus-a rollercoaster. The latest cruel plot twist has taken him out once more after he finally worked his way back into form for Arsenal.
These injuries have invited serious questions over Jesus' long-term future at the highest end of soccer, despite his undoubted ability as a forward. For Arsenal, the implications are not just confined to the short term but extend to the psychological and technical effect of losing a player so crucial.
Is the market solution a problem?
Arteta's comments about delving into the market are indicative of Arsenal's state of emergency. How that plays out is quite a different matter. To replace a player of Jesus's quality during the window is not only a question of negotiation but also one of luck.
The Spanish boss underlined that a transfer can only be completed if all three parties agree, which suggests where the functional problems lie for Arsenal. Finding a player who fits the technical profile and can adapt to the team's style is not easy, and rushing into a signing may cost the club dearly in financial and tactical terms in the longer term.
Internal and external pressures
But beyond the on-field challenges, Arteta faces growing scrutiny from fans and media alike. Expectations were high for Arsenal this season, especially after a bright start. Now, with the team out of the FA Cup and dealing with a slew of injuries, the criticism is piling on.
How Arteta manages the squad and reacts to setbacks will be critical in defining his future at the helm. If he manages to keep the team competitive despite these setbacks, he may be in a stronger position. If not, growing discontent might make his tenure doubtable.