Arsenal could reportedly learn the extent of Gabriel Jesus's knee injury later on Tuesday amid reports of a three-month layoff for the striker.
Jesus made his first World Cup start for Brazil in their final Group G clash with Cameroon on Friday, but he struggled to impress and was taken off on the 64-minute mark in that 1-0 defeat.
However, it subsequently emerged that the 25-year-old was carrying a knee injury, and the issue was serious enough to rule him out of the remainder of Brazil's World Cup campaign.
Arsenal are yet to comment on Jesus's injury, but reports from Brazil have claimed that the former Manchester City man could require surgery, which would render him unavailable for three months.
According to the Daily Mail, Jesus will undergo further assessments on Tuesday, which will give Arsenal a clear indication of how long the striker may be sidelined for.
The report adds that Arsenal are cautiously optimistic that Jesus will not spend months out of action, as the Gunners do not believe the damage is as serious as first feared.
Jesus is understood to have been working with a specialist since flying back to London from Qatar, and he has been in touch with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu since sustaining the issue.
Arsenal are currently away in Dubai for a warm-weather training camp, but head doctor Gary O'Driscoll is said to have remained at London Colney in order to work closely with Jesus.
The ex-Palmeiras youngster made an immediate impression at the Emirates after joining from Man City in the summer, registering five goals and seven assists in 20 appearances for Arsenal.
Jesus's efforts have helped Arteta's side open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, although he has experienced a notable goal drought in recent weeks.
The South American has failed to find the back of the net since Arsenal's 3-1 North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur on October 1, and he has now gone 11 games in all competitions without scoring.
Nevertheless, Jesus has impressed with his all-around and link-up play for Arsenal, who are supposedly not planning to sign another striker in January, even if their number nine's prognosis is not a positive one.
Eddie Nketiah, who has three goals in 19 appearances this term, represents the only other senior striker in Arteta's ranks, while Folarin Balogun has starred for Ligue 1 side Reims during a loan spell.
The 21-year-old has scored eight goals and set up two more in 15 Ligue 1 matches so far, and there has been speculation that Arsenal could look to recall him in January, but it is unclear if there are any ongoing discussions.
Arsenal will take on Lyon and AC Milan in the Dubai Super Cup on December 8 and 13 respectively before facing Juventus in a friendly on December 17, and they will return to Premier League action against West Ham United on Boxing Day at the Emirates. body check tags ::
