A significant blow struck Arsenal’s hopes as they declared striker Gabriel Jesus unavailable for their season opener against Nottingham Forest because of knee surgery as her his injury update
The Brazilian sharpshooter was conspicuously absent during Arsenal’s recent match against Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel Jesus latest knee injury update today, status and return date news
Confirming fears, the North London club later announced Arsenal’s knee injury and the subsequent evaluation. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, voiced his concerns post the Emirates Cup win over Monaco, stating, “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.”
Arsenal's attacking options [with Gabriel Jesus injured]
🔴 Nketiah
🔴 Havertz
🔴 Martinelli
🔴 Trossard
🔴 BalogunDo #AFC need another striker in this transfer window? 👇 pic.twitter.com/s9q2SPTbl7
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 3, 2023
Gabriel Jesus’ tryst with injuries
This isn’t the first time Jesus has been plagued by knee issues. Post his move from Manchester City to Arsenal the previous summer, the Brazilian faced a similar predicament, missing 15 games in total. Despite the setbacks, Jesus had an impressive tally of 11 goals from 33 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign.
Filling the void left by Gabriel Jesus
With Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, Eddie Nketiah stepped up, netting a goal during Arsenal’s draw with Monaco. However, the team isn’t short of alternatives. Folarin Balogun, fresh from a prosperous loan spell with Reims, is back in the mix, having scored an impressive 22 goals during his tenure in France.
Inter Milan has shown interest in Balogun, eyeing him as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku. Yet, the deal seems far from completion with the Italian side hesitant to meet Arsenal’s £50m valuation. Balogun’s foot injury and ongoing recovery further complicate matters.
A glimpse into the future for Arsenal
With the Premier League’s inaugural match for the 2023/2024 season scheduled for August 12, fans are eager to see how Arsenal’s lineup will evolve. Balogun’s history with Arsenal, although limited with just ten appearances and two goals, remains promising.
Arteta doesn’t restrict his options to just Balogun. If Balogun doesn’t recover in time, the manager might consider using Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, as both have shown their adaptability in central positions before.
As Arsenal prepares for the Community Shield face-off against Manchester City, fans and pundits alike await to see how Arteta and his squad navigate these challenges and reposition themselves for the coming season.
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