GABRIEL JESUS has undergone surgery on his knee following an injury sustained at the World Cup.
The Brazilian sustained the injury against Cameroon and is thought to now be out for three months as he undergoes his recovery.
Elsewhere, Granit Xhaka has been slammed by a journalist for his 'disgraceful' gesture against Serbia.
Kosovan activist and journalist Zana Avdiu raged on Facebook: "Granit Xhaka's act is a disgrace. An act of a street boy."
However, his father has now come out to defend his son.
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Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
- Kostas Lianos
Pumped for Pep
Arsenal and Chelsea are due to battle it out for Porto star Pepe, who was first linked with the Gunners back in the summer.
However, the winger's hefty price tag put off Mikel Arteta from making a moving.
But scouts have continued monitoring the 25-year-old's progress this term, and a fresh report has claimed that both the Gunners and the Blues have been blown away by his performances.
According to A Bola, the Brazilian allegedly left their talent spotters “with their mouths open”.
And they are not the only clubs considering a move. as Juventus are now believed to have placed him on their wishlist
But Porto are holding out for at least £65million for Pepe – which would trigger his release clause
- Kostas Lianos
Buk won't stop
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka used to regularly score goals at the World Cup — before waking up.
Now, Saka is making his mark on the biggest stage, having already scored three times, and has his sights firmly set on France.
Set to earn his 24th cap in Saturday’s quarter-final against the world champions, here is a player who really is living that dream.
Saka said: “I always allow myself to dream. Having watched the tournament as well growing up, I have a lot of memories. I remember South Africa 2010, the famous song (Shakira’s Waka-Waka) — it’s an amazing song.
“Things like that stick with you forever and as a kid, I just woke up after a dream and thought ‘I want to do this for real. I want to score a goal in a World Cup’. Now, of course, we have to believe we can win the World Cup. Right now, our focus is on the next game, France.
“I think it’s about finding the right balance because obviously it’s not just a normal game, it’s a World Cup quarter-final. At the same time, you need to prepare and do the same things the way you normally do so you don’t overthink and get too nervous.
“It has been a great experience so far, to achieve what I have and help my team with the goals I have scored is a really nice feeling”
- Kostas Lianos
What the Hec?
Barcelona star Hector Bellerin has left his team-mates and fans in shock after showing off his new look.
Former Arsenal star Bellerin returned to club training yesterday having not been selected in the Spain squad for the 2022 World Cup and returned looking like a different man.
Prior to the mid-season break the full-back had long wavy hair pushed back behind his ears which was similar to a mullet.
But the always trendy Spaniard has taken a trip to the barbers and gone for a buzz cut this time around
- Kostas Lianos
Jesus surgery latest
Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow to their title hopes with Gabriel Jesus facing months out after undergoing surgery on his knee.
The Gunners are currently unclear on how long Jesus' recovery will take, but the striker could be facing months on the sidelines.
In fact, reports suggest the Brazil international will be out for three months.
The former Manchester City star suffered the injury in Brazil's final group stage game against Cameroon.
But Jesus was in a positive mood as he shared a picture of himself in hospital on Instagram, captioned: "God is wonderful. I will be back stronger"
- Kostas Lianos
Xhaka father hits back
Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka's dad hit out at journalist Zana Avdiu with a bizarre rant after she slammed the Switzerland international for his "disgraceful" gesture towards Serbia in the 2022 World Cup.
Addressing Avdiu in the third person only, Xhaka's father Ragip said: "If she calls Granit Xhaka a street urchin, that's a great shame! The woman who sits on this show and has no idea about sports, emotions, or Albanians.
“These people insult his mother, his wife and children, make a number of gestures, chant 'Kill the Albanians!', 'Kosovo is Serbia!' and she calls Granit one street boys.
"The Xhaka family has never surrendered and does not surrender. Granit's gesture was neither political nor sexist. Granit is Granit. He didn't make this gesture to offend anyone. I warn you again: you should be careful what you write about the Xhaka family."
Avdiu replied: "What else happens?"
Xhaka fired back: "I'll tell you later what happens. You will have to answer for yourself in every respect. But when the time comes, it will already be too late, I guarantee you that with my life. Because you don't know the Xhaka family"
- Kostas Lianos
Grant Xhaka slammed
A journalist slammed Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka for his "disgraceful" gesture during the 2022 World Cup.
Xhaka grabbed his manhood during Switzerland's highly-charged 3-2 win over Serbia on Friday.
Kosovan activist and journalist Zana Avdiu raged on Facebook: "Granit Xhaka's act is a disgrace. An act of a street boy."
Avdiu added on TV channel T7: "What does it say about our society when we celebrate such a gesture?"
The rest of the panel – all males – tried to silence her by claiming she "doesn't understand the emotions of a footballer" or even the gesture itself.
But Avdiu responded: "I'll explain it to you: Granit Xhaka's gesture symbolizes a sexual assault"
Credit: Rex - Kostas Lianos
Bell of the Ball
Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has hinted at a shock swoop for England star Jude Bellingham after telling fans he could persuade Gunners chief Edu into sanctioning a mega-money bid.
Gilberto first wrote on Twitter: “Jude Bellingham reminds me of someone.”
This led to a fan replying: “Have a word with Edu”, to which Silva gave a thumbs-up emoji.
Another supporter tweeted: “Can you put a word in?”
Silva then delighted fans by saying, with a wink emoji: “Maybe”
- Kostas Lianos
Saka meets Beckham
David Beckham stopped by England's Al-Wakrah World Cup training base shortly before the tournament kicked off.
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka warmed hearts with his well mannered request for a picture.
Footage of Beckham's visit shows the World Cup ambassador chatting to manager Gareth Southgate as well as Jack Grealish.
Saka is seen walking over to the trio as they stood talking and politely says to Beckham: "Sorry to interrupt, can I have a picture with you?"
The former England captain smiled and nodded as the pair posed for a snap
- Kostas Lianos
Take a break
Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu admitted his performance for Japan in their Last 16 defeat to Croatia was a “disaster”.
And Tomiyasu is hoping for some time off before meeting up with Mikel Arteta’s squad so he can “forget about football”.
On the verge of tears, the 24-year-old said: “My performance was a disaster so I am sorry for the team. I just need to be much, much better to help the team.
“I can’t be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. It was not enough."
Asked if he will fly over to meet up with Arsenal straight away, Tomiyasu added: “I don’t know.
“Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time”
- Kostas Lianos
Saka's spelling school
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been left in stitches after testing his England team-mates' spelling skills.
Saka uploaded a number of TikToks called "Saka's Spelling School" where he quizzed Declan Rice, James Maddison and Jack Grealish.
Maddison was first up with the winger asking him to spell the word 'aesthetic'.
The Leicester star, who is yet to play at the World Cup, confidently answered and smiled but got the 'H' in the wrong place to Saka's delight as he shouted "wrong".
The man with three World Cup goals at the tournament so far then chased down Manchester City star Grealish for a question.
The forward was tasked with spelling 'rhythm' but he also got it incorrect putting the 'M' in the middle rather than at the end
Bukayo Saka left in stitches as he challenges England World Cup pals Grealish, Rice and Maddison to spelling test
- Kostas Lianos
Vivianne Miedema's plea
Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema hopes coaches will encourage their players to take breaks following her time away from match action in November.
Miedema said: "I think a lot of people probably thought my time off would just mean me going on a holiday and not training, and just getting away from football.
"But I've actually used some time off, going to the other side of the world, but still training every day.
"I've not had a pre-season after I had Covid this summer, so I used that period of time to actually get myself fit and that's the biggest difference I feel on the pitch right now.
"I feel physically a lot fitter, I think you can see that in the games, and I think by being physically fit, then the game becomes easy for me again.
"You've seen that over the last two games and I hope I can at least hold that in the next four games, until Christmas"
- Kostas Lianos
Balogun coming back?
Arsenal are considering a recall for on-loan striker Folarin Balogun following the injury blow to Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus underwent surgery on his knee after jetting back to the UK on Sunday from Brazil's World Cup camp in order to be evaluated by club doctors.
Following the surgery, the striker is set to be sidelined for the next three months in a huge blow to the Gunners' title hopes – though the club have not set a timeline on his return.
Eddie Nketiah is now the only recognised senior centre-forward at the club, but Mikel Arteta does not want to leave himself so short of firepower at a pivotal point of the season.
This could lead him to cut short the loan of Balogun at Reims, according to 90min.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form during his loan spell in France, netting eight goals in 15 appearances
Credit: Rex - Kostas Lianos
Barcelona target Martinelli
Barcelona are scouting Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli at the World Cup with his deal nearing its end.
Barca are believed to be considering a move for Martinelli as it would be hoped he could be bought at a cut-price deal.
The forward's contract at the Emirates expires in 2024, meaning he would be able to leave the club for free in a year and a half.
The Brazil international's three appearances at the World Cup have caught the eye of the Blaugrana, with the club labelling him as a "favourite" of the club's sporting department and coaching staff, according to Sport.
The outlet has suggested that Martinelli will be watched closely by the Catalan giants as they consider making a move for him at the end of the season
- Kostas Lianos
Yunus Musah linked
Arsenal may need to fight it out with Liverpool if they pursue the USA's top World Cup performer Yunus Musah.
Valencia ace Musah started all four of the US matches in Qatar.
And the midfielder won't come cheap as his list of admirers grows.
Nottingham Forest reportedly had a £25million summer bid rejected for the 20-year-old
- Jack Figg
Morning, Arsenal fans
The Gunners are tipped to fight it out with Liverpool for USA World Cup sensation Yunus Musah.
But boss Mikel Arteta might put his interest in Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk on the backburner due to Gabriel Jesus' long-term injury.
That's the top gossip around the Emirates as Arsenal prepare for the Dubai Super Cup this week ahead of the Prem return.
Arteta's men launch the tournament at 3pm tomorrow against Lyon and meet AC Milan next Tuesday.
But one eye is on the talent in action in Qatar.
Valencia midfielder Musah shone in all four games for the US.
And Arsenal are the club being most strongly linked with the 20-year-old.
But he won't come cheap as Nottingham Forest reportedly had a £25million summer bid rejected.
Ghana's Ajax winger Mohammed Kudus is also said to be on the Gunners' radar.
Ukraine wideman Mudryk remains a prime target.But it's understood Arteta is now likely to prioritise an out-and-out frontman.
That's because Brazilian superstar Jesus could be out for three months as his knee injury might need surgery
Finally, devastated Japan right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu says he wants a rest after labelling his performance in the World Cup exit to Croatia as a “disaster”.
- Ian Tuckey
Thumb lift of the Gab
Gabriel Jesus has posted a smiling thumbs-up picture and vowed to be "back stronger" as he begins what could be a long recovery from a knee injury.
The Arsenal striker returned home early from Brazil's World Cup bid after a knock in their final group game against Cameroon.
But he looked positive as he told fans on social media: "God is wonderful. I will be back stronger."
Jesus could be out for up to three months but the Gunners hope he'll return much sooner.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Sneaky sods’ in for Jude!
Gary Neville reckons England’s stars from Liverpool and Manchester City are laying ground work to try and sign midfield sensation Jude Bellingham.
He joked that “sneaky little sods” Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden are all cosying up to the Borussia Dortmund ace while on World Cup duty.
Liverpool captain Henderson and Bellingham are good pals – despite the 13-year age gap between the pair.
Elsewhere Reds fans were sent into meltdown when Alexander-Arnold shared a snap of the pair together after they went for a stroll together in Qatar.
While Manchester United legend Neville also claimed City ace Foden was getting close to Bellingham. And the pundit doesn’t believe it to be a coincidence.
Neville told Sky: “The whole thing unnerves me!
“When I was in the camp sort of 15 years ago, I used to sort of get close to [Wayne] Rooney, close to Rio Ferdinand. All those players you thought you could just grab.
“Now you see Phil Foden next to Jude Bellingham, you see Trent Alexander-Arnold going for a walk with him, you see Jordan Henderson cuddling up to him at the end of the game.
“And you think ‘you sneaky little sods’, I know what you’re trying to do, you lot’.”
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners ponder Mudryk rethink
Arsenal remain keen on Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
But Gabriel Jesus' long-term injury means boss Mikel Arteta may have to switch his focus to a new striker.
Eddie Nketiah is the Gunners' only real back-up option.
- Ian Tuckey
Prem clubs eye Ghana ace
Mohammed Kudus is being repeatedly linked with a move away from Ajax.
The Ghanaian winger demonstrated his skillset during the World Cup and has given a reputation a huge boost.
The Sun revealed earlier this week that the 22-year-old is open to a Premier League move.
But he has also been strongly linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona.
Kudus hit two goals in Ghana’s three World Cup games and four goals in six Champions League games for Ajax.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal AND Liverpool linked to Yunus
Arsenal could need to fight it out with Liverpool if they pursue the USA's top World Cup performer Yunus Musah.
The Valencia midfielder, 20, started all four of the Yanks' matches in Qatar.
And he won't come cheap as his list of admirers grows.
Norringham Forest reportedly had a £25million summer bid rejected.
- Ian Tuckey
Giroud on Kane
Ex-Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has said he sees similarities between himself and Harry Kane ahead if England v France on Saturday.
The Frenchman had his say on his opposite number with the World Cup Quarter-Final clash approaching quickly.
Giroud said: “I’ve spoken to Hugo Lloris about Harry Kane because he has a profile that can maybe be compared to mine.
“He’s very powerful and over the last few years he’s moved further down the pitch to be more involved in the game.
“He’s also very good at assists and a good finisher that’s clinical. He’s generous with his team mates and has the ability to hurt opponents.
“He’s obviously a great asset to the English team. There’s similarities between us but differences too.”
- Ian Tuckey
Spells like team spirit
ENGLAND star Bukayo Saka has been left in stitches after testing his team-mates' spelling skills.
The Arsenal winger uploaded a number of TikToks called "Saka's Spelling School" where he quizzed Declan Rice, James Maddison and Jack Grealish.
Maddison was first up with Saka asking him to spell the word 'aesthetic'.
The Leicester midfielder, who is yet to play at the World Cup, confidently answered and smiled but got the 'H' in the wrong place to Saka's delight as he shouted "wrong".
The man with three World Cup goals at the tournament so far then chased down Jack Grealish for a question.
He was tasked with spelling 'rhythm' but he also got it incorrect putting the 'M' in the middle rather than at the end.
Saka reacted by bursting into laughter again.
The spelling test was then taken to the dinner table as Saka sat down with Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
Rice was given 'pronunciation' to spell but he got just six letters in before losing track of where he was but he had already got it wrong -to Mount and Saka's amusement.
The West Ham captain saw the funny side commenting on the video saying: "Didn't even get a chance to redeem myself."
- Ian Tuckey
Takehiro wants rest after slating his 'disaster' display
Devastated Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu admitted his performance for Japan in their last 16 defeat to Croatia was a “disaster”.
And the Gunners defender is hoping for some time off before meeting up with Mikel Arteta’s squad so he can “forget about football”.
The Samurai Blue were knocked out by Croatia on penalties on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw.
It was Tomiyasu’s first start of the World Cup and he was lucky not to be punished by Ivan Perisic after losing the ball in the first half before spurning a shooting chance to put Japan 2-1 up.
And on the verge of tears, the 24-year-old said: “My performance was a disaster so I am sorry for the team.
“I just need to be much, much better to help the team.
“I can’t be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. It was not enough."
Arteta’s squad began their preparations for the return of the Premier League in Dubai on Monday.
Asked if he will fly over to meet up with Arsenal straight away, he added: “I don’t know.
“Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time.”
- Ian Tuckey
Polite Buk wows fans with Becks' selfie request
Football fans are loving Bukayo Saka's polite request for a selfie with England legend David Beckham.
Ex-Three Lions skipper Becks, 47, stopped by England's Al-Wakrah World Cup training base shortly before the tournament kicked off.
And Arsenal winger Saka has warmed hearts with the respectful way he asked for a picture.
Footage of Beckham's visit shows the World Cup ambassador chatting to manager Gareth Southgate and Jack Grealish.
Saka is seen walking over to the trio as they stood talking.
The 21-year-old then politely says to Beckham: "Sorry to interrupt, can I have a picture with you?"
Fans on social media absolutely loved Saka's courteous request for the picture. One gushed on Twitter: "This kid was really raised proper."
Another wrote: "Just the best kid in the world."
- Ian Tuckey
Option 5…
Jonathan David
The Lille and Canada star has admitted he would be open to a Premier League transfer and he dropped a hint he was eyeing Arsenal after liking two of the club's posts on Instagram in the summer.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has actually tipped David to join rivals Tottenham, with Spurs reportedly in contract with the player's agent.
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