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Granit Xhaka has said every Arsenal player is “behind” Gabriel Jesus but that he fears the Brazil international could be absent for “two or three months” with a knee injury.
Jesus, 25, this week had surgery on a knee injury that has ruled him out for the rest of Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
Arsenal said in a statement on Tuesday that the surgery was successful and he would begin a rehabilitation programme immediately.
And, speaking after Switzerland’s chastening 6-1 defeat by Portugal in the Qatar World Cup, Xhaka said the entire Arsenal squad would support the striker through his recovery.
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He said: “I spoke with him straight after the Cameroon game. We have contact (with) each other, with all the players we have here in the World Cup.
“It’s a shame because you saw in the first round of the Premier League how important he is for us. I don’t know how big the injury is, maybe two or three months, I think. But he is a strong guy.
“It’s a small injury for him I think, and we will support him. He knows that we are behind him and hopefully we can get him back as quick as possible.”
Xhaka added that Arsenal have “no option” but to continue without Jesus — and backed Eddie Nketiah to step into the Brazilian’s shoes.
Nketiah, 23, is yet to score in the Premier League this season but enjoyed a successful previous campaign under Mikel Arteta, scoring 10 goals in all competitions.
Xhaka added: “We have the option with Eddie, of course. He showed great games as well in the past and we need to support Gabi first.
“We need to support Eddie as well, because he will be a big, big part of the next two or three months.
“But I am looking forward to it because we have the quality to bring Eddie there and to help him.”
Arsenal play West Ham United when the Premier League resumes on December 26.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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