The Brazilian was forced off in the Gunners’ win over Sevilla (Picture: HaytersTV / YouTube)
Gabriel Jesus has played down his injury in Arsenal’s win over Sevilla on Tuesday night and says he would ‘never ask to go out’ despite manager Mikel Arteta saying he asked to come off.
The Gunners enjoyed a fantastic night in Seville with a 2-1 victory sending them back to the top of their Champions League group.
Jesus played an integral role in the victory, setting up Gabriel Martinelli for the north Londoners’ opening goal after an audacious turn and then scoring a wonderful solo effort not long after the restart.
But late in the game, after Sevilla had pulled a goal back and Arsenal were forced to dig in, Jesus went down clutching his hamstring after challenging for a loose ball and had to be withdrawn.
After the match, Arteta appeared to be particularly worried by the fact that Jesus had immediately asked to come off, which was out of character for the tireless forward.
‘He asked straight away to be subbed, which is not good news because Gabi is not a player who does that at all,’ Arteta told TNT Sports.
But now Jesus has suggested it was Arteta’s decision to take him off but says he always respects his manager’s will and appeared rather upbeat about the injury, even hinting it might be ‘nothing’.
Jesus put on an exhibition in Seville on Tuesday night (Picture: Getty)
Asked about the potential severity of his injury, a smiling Jesus – who was named Man of the Match for his performance – told reporters: ‘Well, let’s see.
‘Exhausted? Yeah I was tired to be honest. But I never want to go out, you know?
‘Obviously I always respect what the manager decides but it was not the case, unluckily, unfortunately. But let’s see what it [the injury] is.’
Speaking even more positively about the injury, Jesus told TNT Sports: ‘I did some tests with the physio, looks not that big. But let’s see. I have a scan the next days, maybe tomorrow or the day after, let’s see how it is. But I’m pretty sure it will be nothing.’
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Arteta was full of praise for Jesus’ performance in the win over Sevilla and feels he really stepped up at an important time for the Gunners.
‘He came here for a reason. I think he changed our world,’ said the Spanish coach.
‘He brought so much belief and energy to that team, he needs to step in in those moments. He’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable for the team.
‘We need those players to win games. If you want to play Manchester City, then go to Stamford Bridge, then come here – that’s the level we’re at right now. To come here and win, big credit to the boys.’
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‘I never want to go out.’