Contrary to Arsenal’s initial projections, Gabriel Jesus might be side-lined for up to two months due to a knee injury, raising concerns ahead of the Premier League’s kickoff.

Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos during an Arsenal training session (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos during an Arsenal training session (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Arsenal fans were dealt a blow ahead of the new season, with news that star striker Gabriel Jesus faces a longer spell on the sidelines than first thought.

While the club hinted that the Brazilian might be out for just a few weeks, a Sunday Mirror piece, referencing Owen Hargreaves and Arsenal’s recent signings, suggests Jesus could be absent for as long as two months.

KAI AND MIGHTY Owen Hargreaves Exclusive: Havertz is great signing, Rice adds some steel and Timber’s a top athlete... it won’t be a cakewalk for City this season Sunday Mirror6 Aug 2023By TOM HOPKINSON @tomhopkinson
KAI AND MIGHTY Owen Hargreaves Exclusive: Havertz is great signing, Rice adds some steel and Timber’s a top athlete… it won’t be a cakewalk for City this season Sunday Mirror 6 Aug 2023By TOM HOPKINSON @tomhopkinson
Last week’s news that Jesus will miss the first two months of the season, however, has arguably vindicated the signing. Havertz will be a challenger to Eddie Nketiah and, if he stays, Folarin Balogun, while the Brazilian is out.
Last week’s news that Jesus will miss the first two months of the season, however, has arguably vindicated the signing. Havertz will be a challenger to Eddie Nketiah and, if he stays, Folarin Balogun, while the Brazilian is out.

The initial news broke following Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out win against Monaco in the Emirates Cup , a match Gabriel Jesus missed.

After the game, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, shed light on the situation, “He’s had a procedure this morning. We needed to address an issue in his knee. It’s linked to his previous injury. We decided it was best to get it sorted now.”

The uncertainty surrounding Jesus’s return adds another wrinkle to Arsenal’s preparations for the fast-approaching Premier League season.

With Jesus out, it will give Eddie Nketiah another chance to step up. The young English forward led the line in the Emirates Cup and captained the side, reflecting the trust Arteta has in him.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal in action during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on August 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 02: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal in action during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on August 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal are set to clash with Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley. This is before they launch their Premier League campaign at home against Nottingham Forest on August 12.

Recalling last season, Jesus spent a considerable amount of time recovering from a knee surgery. His latest injury brings fresh worries about the striker’s fitness and the impact on the team’s performance.

In the Emirates Cup, Arsenal’s attacking trio comprised of Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Martinelli, and Nketiah. Also, the fans saw Declan Rice making his home debut.

With Jesus’s injury hanging overhead, there’s an opportunity for these players to cement their place in the starting eleven.

The upcoming games might offer Arteta some interesting lineup decisions, especially considering the squad’s performance.