Arsenal’s dynamic striker, Gabriel Jesus, is set to face a spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, confirmed by Gunners’ head coach Mikel Arteta.
The 26-year-old Brazilian was noticeably absent from Wednesday’s exhilarating Emirates Cup showdown against Monaco. The thrilling match ended in Arsenal’s favor, with a nail-biting penalty shootout triumph of 5-4, following a 1-1 draw on the hallowed turf of north London.
In a post-match statement, Arteta disclosed that Gabriel Jesus had been grappling with an ongoing concern that traces its origins back to the preceding season. This predicament arises from an injury sustained during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which eventually led to knee surgery and sidelined him for over three months. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive betting odds from Gclub.
Arteta conveyed, “Regrettably, he underwent a minor procedure earlier today. An underlying discomfort in his knee had escalated, prompting the need for intervention. While not a critical issue, he will be out of action for several weeks.”
The setback is a poignant one, as the striker had just returned to his prime form. His standout performance, notably against Barcelona in Los Angeles, was a testament to his resurgence. Arteta rued the timing of this setback but affirmed the necessity of safeguarding the player’s well-being.
Clarifying the nature of the issue, Arteta explained, “This complication stems from a previous injury and the subsequent surgery. Persistent irritation in the knee necessitated intervention, and that’s precisely what we did.”
With the Premier League season on the horizon, Arsenal faces the challenge of adapting their strategy in Gabriel Jesus’s absence. The burden will now fall on the shoulders of Eddie Nketiah, who notched a goal against Monaco, and the promising USMNT talent Folarin Balogun. The latter’s future at the club has been the subject of speculation about a potential move away.
“The situation doesn’t alter our plans for Flo at all. However, it’s unfortunate that we’ll be without Gabby,” Arteta noted.
As Arsenal braces itself for the upcoming campaign, their focus remains steadfast despite this setback. The Gunners are slated to lock horns with Manchester City in the prestigious Community Shield showdown at Wembley on Sunday. Following this, they’ll commence their Premier League journey on August 12, when they host Nottingham Forest at home.
The absence of Gabriel Jesus certainly poses a challenge, but with Arteta at the helm, Arsenal is poised to tackle it head-on, armed with a roster of diverse talents ready to step up. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Gclub Sports.
