Mikel Arteta has refused to put a timeframe on Gabriel Jesus’ latest injury setback, claiming he did so previously and “got it totally wrong”.
The Brazilian forward missed the first three games of the season due to a knee problem.
He was gradually eased in by Arteta, before featuring heavily in the league and in Europe.
That was until Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Sevilla last week, which saw Jesus pick up a muscle issue.
Jesus sat out the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Sheffield United at the weekend.
He is also likely to be absent when they face West Ham in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup, with Arteta reluctant to set a date for his potential return.
“With him [Jesus], I’m honestly not going to give [a timeframe],” the Gunners boss told a press conference.
“I did it once and got it totally wrong.
“We need to be cautious because we need to treat it in the right way.
“He’s already pushing everybody.
“He wants to be back as quickly as possible, and we need him, so that’s great.”
While Mikel Arteta confirmed that midfielder Thomas Partey “will be out for weeks” due to a muscular issue, the Spaniard was more optimistic over captain Martin Odegaard’s availability.
The Norway international was rested for the Sheffield United game after nursing a hip problem, as Arteta hinted at his slow reintegration into the side.
Read more: Nketiah Reveals Why He Allowed Vieira Take PK Against Sheffield
The Arsenal boss added: “We rested him the other day.
“So, it’s how long we rest him for and how we manage the minutes and the rhythm that he needs to be at his best”.
