Arsenal have been dealt a major blow just days ahead of the new season kicking off as striker Gabriel Jesus is to be assessed after picking up a knee injury.
The Brazilian missed several months of the 22-23 campaign with a knee injury picked up while on international duty with Brazil, but returned for the end of season run in as the Gunners ended up finishing second to Manchester City.
Signed just last summer from the Cityzens, he scored 11 times and grabbed 7 assists in his first season at the Emirates Stadium, and played a key role as they challenged for the title for much of the campaign.
Now, Mikel Arteta’s side have announced that he has picked up another knee injury during pre-season, with the issue coming in the wake of their 5-3 win over Barcelona, in which he was substituted.
‘Gabby Jesus misses tonight’s game due to a knee issue and will be assessed’, they wrote in a follow up to the team news for their clash with AS Monaco on Wednesday evening, which saw the Brazilian out of the squad.
Eddie Nketiah has been asked to lead the line, which he did to good effect in Jesus’ absence last season too, while the Gunners also have young talent Folarin Balogun on their books, though he had been expected to leave the club this summer after an impressive loan campaign with Stade des Reims.
Arsenal kick off their new season on Sunday with a Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley, before beginning their Premier League season the following weekend with a home game against Nottingham Forest.
