Gabriel Jesus suffered an injury during Manchester City’s match at Selhurst Park on New Year’s Eve, which means that Pep Guardiola might come knocking for Alexis Sanchez sooner than we thought.
Gabriel was taken off in the 23rd minute of City’s draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday after accidentally doing the splits earlier in the game. The Brazilian obviously found it impossible to run off the twinge and had to be subbed off for Sergio Aguero.
The 20-year-old left the pitch in tears, suggesting that this injury isn’t something he can just stretch off. This also means that Alexis Sanchez is even more likely to move to Manchester in January.
City have been interested in the Chilean since the summer. However, with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel performing well for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, there was doubt over whether the Spaniard would simply wait to sign Alexis on a free in the summer.
If Gabriel is sidelined, Pep’s need to sign a forward is far greater and the likelihood of him actually moving for Alexis in January instead is higher.
Pep suggests Jesus could be out for up-to two months. #MCFC https://t.co/SKnhbQ5omM
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) December 31, 2017
Gabriel Jesus saindo de muleta com imobilizador protegendo o joelho esquerdo. #PremierLeagueSoNaESPN pic.twitter.com/UPRygMSedc
— Joao Castelo-Branco (@j_castelobranco) December 31, 2017
Alexis, 29, will have big shoes to fill though. Gabriel has made 27 appearances this season, scoring 10 goals and assisting four.
Alexis meanwhile has scored eight and assisted four in 19 appearances. However, he’s mostly been underwhelming for the Gunners this term and has only really showed up now the transfer window is about to open.