An important injury blow has been inflicted on Arsenal just before the 2023–24 season begins.
Before yesterday’s Emirates Cup match against Monaco, first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus underwent a minor knee procedure. Mikel Arteta has now stated that Jesus will be out for a few weeks. When questioned about Jesus, Arteta replied, “Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning.
They had to go in because of the pain he was experiencing in his knee. He will be out for a few weeks.
“It is a significant blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona and he was in terrific condition, but regrettably we lost him,” the Spaniard continued. We had to consider it and come to a decision, and the best course of action was to safeguard the player and return him as soon as possible. We chose to proceed.
“It has to do with the surgery and the prior injuries he suffered. We had to address the knee irritation he was experiencing.
The Brazilian international was a star for the Gunners last season when healthy, scoring 11 goals and dishing out another six assists in just 26 Premier League appearances. Eddie Nketiah, a graduate of the Hale End academy, scored the game’s lone goal for his team in the 1-1 draw against Monaco after Arteta decided to start him through the middle of the field.
Leandro Trossard, Folarin Balogun, and Gabriel Martinelli are just a few of the many additional attacking alternatives available to the Arsenal manager. Emile Smith Rowe, who Arteta has previously acknowledged may be used as a number nine, is a surprising alternative.
In regards to Smith Rowe, the Spaniard said last year, “I think he can play in four places.” He can play very, very effectively as a left winger, left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder, and as a nine.
In the past, the gifted playmaker has often played on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder, but Arteta did try deploying him farther forward during a Europa League match against Villarreal a few seasons ago.