The fixtures Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could miss #AFC

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The festive fixtures Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could miss after knee injury rules him out of World Cup with Brazilian not expected to return until the New Year

Gabriel Jesus is set to miss a number of crucial games for both Brazil and Arsenal after a knee injury has ended his World Cup.

The 25-year-old has been ruled out of the global tournament in Qatar in a major blow for the South American giants.

Jesus started his first match of the World Cup on Friday night in Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in Group G’s finale.

But Jesus failed to get on the score sheet, with the striker still yet to find the back of the net at a World Cup since making his tournament debut at Russia in 2018.

He was replaced in the 64th minute after experiencing pain in his right knee, with the forward consoled by Neymar at the end of the match.

And his persistent knee problem has ultimately ended his World Cup, with the ex-Manchester City star to rest and recover as he luckily avoids needing surgery.

His knock could now see him miss at least the next eight for both club and country, providing Brazil make it to the final.

The Selecao face South Korea in the last-16 on Monday, with Brazil’s potential quarter-final, semi-final and final matches to take place on December 9, 13 and 18 respectively.

And should Brazil be knocked out in the semi-final, they would be involved in the third-place play-off on December 17.

Straight after the World Cup, attention would then turn to the restart of the Premier League.

Jesus has been instrumental in helping Arsenal top the league, despite not scoring since the north London derby victory against Tottenham in early October.

West Ham are first up for the Gunners after the international break, where they welcome David Moyes’ side to the Emirates on Boxing Day.

That game is likely to be too soon for Jesus to return, with the player not expected to return to action until some point in the New Year.

Jesus may also miss the trip to Brighton on New Year’s Eve, along with the home tie against Newcastle on January 3.

Arsenal then face Oxford away in the third round of the FA Cup on January 9 in a game where Jesus would have been rested even if he was fully fit.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have the ex-Palmeiras marksman back for the match against Spurs a week later.

And with Arsenal to battle Manchester United in the capital on January 22, Arteta will be desperate for Jesus to be firing on all cylinders.