Mikel Arteta reveals why Gabriel Jesus missed Arsenal vs Aston Villa and hints at ‘long-term’ absence

Arsenal recorded a superb 2-0 victory in a tough game away at Aston Villa in a big statement of their title ambitions.

Goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey handed Arsenal the win after a magnificent save from David Raya stopped Ollie Watkins from scoring.

There was some notable absences from the matchday squad. Fabio Vieira is completing a loan move to Porto, meaning that he did not travel with the team, whilst Gabriel Jesus was also missing.

The Brazilian was on fire in pre-season as he appeared to be over his injury issues, and performed well off the bench against Wolves in the opening game.

However, the 26-year-old did not travel with the team to Villa Park, and Mikel Arteta has now explained why he missed the game.

Mikel Arteta explains Gabriel Jesus absence as Arsenal beat Aston Villa

Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta issued a worrying verdict on Jesus, who picked up an injury in training this week.

“On Thursday in the training session at the end he felt something in his groin. We’ll have to have an MRI in the coming days to determine if it’s a long-term injury,” Arteta revealed.

Jesus was missed despite Arsenal’s win. At times the game fell a bit flat, and Kai Havertz struggled to get into the game for long periods. Jesus could have made a difference even as a substitute, and injected more flair into the attack, but his teammates eventually secured the points without him.

Fresh injury concern for Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has suffered from frustrating injury problems over the last two years, stemming from a knee injury he picked up at the World Cup in Qatar.

Arsenal will both be relieved and frustrated at the latest problem for Jesus. Whilst they will be delighted that his previous knee issue has not flared up again, they will be concerned that the striker could be out for some time again.

Jesus needs a run of fitness to find his best form, but if he continues to suffer injury setbacks, his long-term future at the club may be questioned despite his quality.