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Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Neil Warnock, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Neil Warnock, Football, Premier League
English football legend Neil Warnock believes Gabriel Jesus will be a big loss for Arsenal, describing the Brazilian as a "horrible" opponent to face.
Jesus, 25, is set to be sidelined until March after undergoing knee surgery after sustaining an injury while on international duty with Brazil at the World Cup.
It is a major blow for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, with the Premier League season due to resume in only a matter of days.
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Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the table but must now cope without Jesus for the busy festive period, starting with a home game against West Ham on Boxing Day.
Speaking on the Die for Three Points Podcast about the Premier League title race, former Sheffield United manager Warnock said Jesus' injury is a major blow for Arsenal.
"I think it's wide open in the Premiership it's going to be fantastic," said Warnock.
"Arsenal to have lost Jesus like that, I mean wow. That is a blow that. He's a horrible little person on the pitch, I love him!
"As a manager, oh I'd absolutely love him. I do honestly. I'd have him anywhere me, I think he's a fabulous player."
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Arsenal are reportedly considering signing a replacement for Jesus in the January transfer window as they look to keep their title challenge on track.
Cody Gakpo, Dusan Vlahovic and Joao Felix are some of the names that have been linked with a move to the Emirates, while Arsenal have also entered into talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over a potential move for Mykhailo Mudryk.
When asked about Jesus on the club's recent mid-season training camp in Dubai, Arsenal boss Arteta admitted he was unsure how long the Brazilian would be out for.
"Obviously we know that, he needed some intervention in the knee, and we will have to take (it) day-by-day, week-by-week and see, where it takes us," said Arteta.