After the news that Gabriel Jesus would miss the rest of the World Cup comes the blow that the forward is facing up to three months on the sidelines with his injury much worse than feared –  or is it?

Brazil's forward #10 Neymar (R) congratulates Brazil's forward #18 Gabriel Jesus at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 2, 2022. - Brazil's is qualified for the round of 16 even after loosing against Cameroon 0 - 1. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s forward #10 Neymar (R) congratulates Brazil’s forward #18 Gabriel Jesus at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 2, 2022. – Brazil’s is qualified for the round of 16 even after loosing against Cameroon 0 – 1. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

A World Cup in the middle of the season was always going to be a risk to the every player taking part given the excess work load being placed on them.

So, while it is enormously disappointing to see player after player pick up a problem, it is not surprising.

After Brazil sealed top spot in their group, it was reported that Jesus would likely be out for the rest of the tournament when he picked up a knee problem.

Initially, there was hope that it would only keep him out a few weeks.

Now, it seems like he will be out for much longer and requires surgery.

Estimates now stand at three months, which is a huge blow to Arsenal and their title ambitions.

That being said, it should be noted that Sam Dean of the Telegraph is reporting that Arsenal are in touch with the Brazil camp over the injury and his sources state there is still no definitive assessment as it is still too early.

There is still the slim hope that the Brazilian media have been a little dramatic and jumped the gun on this.

With just Eddie Nketiah as a natural replacement, Arsenal could look to bring in a forward on loan during the January transfer window should the worst be confirmed, but as they were already trying to sign a midfielder, left-sided centreback and winger, it is unclear how they will proceed at this point.