Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is concerned about the fitness of a key Arsenal attacker ahead of the crucial clash against Liverpool this weekend.

The Gunners host Jurgen Klopp's Premier League table toppers on Sunday at the Emirates on the back of a creditable 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday evening.

It is the fitness of forward Gabriel Jesus that has Arteta sweating, since the former Manchester City striker sustained a blow to his knee during the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace afte the midseason break. 

Worryingly it was the same knee that Jesus was required to have surgery on last summer, forcing him to miss the start of the season.

The Brazilian had been a doubt before the match that saw the 26-year-old score the opener, prior to Bukayo Saka netting the second that led to a crucial 2-1 victory at the City Ground earlier this week. 

The North Londoners were forced to endure a late Forest blitz after Taiwo Awoniyi grabbed an 89th minute goal.

Yet, resolute Arsenal held on by showing strength of character, which Arteta insists was also underlined by Jesus playing through his knee complaint. 

"Gabi started to win the game two days ago," Arteta said after the match.

"He had an issue with his knee and everyone was trying to protect him and saying don’t go outside. But he was saying (matchday) -2, (matchday) -1: 'I want to be there I want to help the team to win the game'.

"When you have that mentality, good things are going to happen. I'm really pleased with him."

It is not yet clear if Jesus' knee issue will keep him out of the weekend's crucial top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool. Arteta failed to offer a definitive answer on this, instead looking to focus on the positives from the display.