Mikel Arteta offers injury update on Gabriel Jesus in devastating Arsenal blow
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out of the Gunners' season opener against Nottingham Forest after undergoing suregery for a knee injury.
The Brazilian was left out of the North Londoners' side to take on Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Gunners confirmed that he had sustained a knee injury, a problem that would be assessed imminently.
With the Community Shield clash with Manchester City and the Premier League opener against Forest quickly approaching, Mikel Arteta has now offered an update - and it's not good news for Arsenal for the coming season.
Speaking after Wednesday night's Emirates Cup victory over Monaco, Arteta confirmed: "Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning. He’s had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in. He’s going to be out for a few weeks."
Jesus' latest injury is just the latest in a long line of blows since he completed his move to North London from Man City last summer. He missed 15 matches in total last season through another knee problem.
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That led to him making just 33 appearances during his debut campaign as an Arsenal player. In that time, he scored 11 goals as Arsenal pushed his former side all the way in the race for the Premier League title.
Jesus' latest injury might give Arsenal food for thought over their frontline heading into the new season. Eddie Nketiah replaced him during the 1-1 draw with Monaco, and scored the equaliser as he guided home a corner.
Eddie Nketiah led the line for Arsenal in Gabriel Jesus' absence (Getty Images)Where do you think Arsenal will finish in the Premier League this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
Arteta also has academy graduate Folarin Balogun at his disposal following his return from a loan spell with Reims. The 22-year-old scored 22 goals in France last season and has plenty of interest in his services including from Inter Milan.
The Italian giants are interested in him as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who previously returned to the San Siro on loan. A deal does not look imminent with Inter so far refusing to match Arsenal's reported £50m asking price.
He was left out of the side to take on Monaco as he attempts to recover from a foot injury. In the meantime, his representatives have reportedly requested that the Gunners lower their asking price.
Balogun has made ten appearances for Arsenal throughout his career and scored two goals, although only two of those outings have come in Premier League action. Arteta will hope that he returns to contention ahead of the Gunners' Community Shield showdown with Man City set to take place on Sunday evening.
Should he not recover in time then the Spanish coach could turn to a somewhat unorthodox option in the form of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, who played centrally on occasion last term.
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