Arteta also insisted that the injury will not stop his initial decision to allow US striker, Balogun to leave Arsenal
Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has told fans of the club that the recent knee injury suffered by Brazil striker, Gabriel Jesus, will not affect the team as they begin a new season.
The 26-year-old is expected to miss the opening weeks of the 2023/2024 campaign, after undergoing a ‘procedure’ on the injury.
Jesus started Arsenal’s pre-season 5-3 win over La Liga giants, Barcelona in the US and was singled out for praise by Arteta after the match.
While discussing his latest injury after the Gunners’ penalty shoot-out win over Monaco in the Emirates Cup on Wednesday, Arteta admitted it is a blow to the team, given his display during the pre-season.
He said: “Unfortunately, he had a little procedure this morning, he had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in. It’s not something major but he’s going to be out for a few weeks.
“It’s a big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona and he was in good condition but unfortunately we lost him.
“We had to look at it and we had to make a decision and the best one is to protect the player and get him back as quick as possible. We decided to do it.”
However, when asked whether the future of Folarin Balogun, who is wanted by some European clubs this summer, might change with Arsenal a man light in attack, Arteta said Jesus’ injury would make no difference to his transfer plans.
“The plans with Flo [Balogun] don’t change at all but unfortunately with Gabby, we’re not going to have him,” Arteta said. “We have other options to play with different qualities of players and we will adapt,” he said.
Arsenal will begin the new Premier League season at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 12.
They will then face two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Fulham before hosting Manchester United in their first ‘Big Six’ match of the season.