Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirms Brazil striker 'out for a few weeks' with knee injury

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that striker Gabriel Jesus will be out for "a few weeks" with a knee injury.

Arsenal announced before their Emirates Cup clash against Monaco on Wednesday evening that Jesus would not take part in the match due to a knee issue.

Eddie Nketiah led the line and scored for Arsenal in the friendly, which the Gunners won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

Arteta confirmed after the game that Jesus had to undergo a procedure. He is likely to miss their Community Shield game against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, and their encounter with Nottingham Forest in their Premier League opener on TNT Sports on August 12.

"Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning," Arteta told reporters.

"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."

It is the latest injury blow for Jesus who missed 15 matches last season due to a knee problem. He made 33 appearances in his debut campaign for the north London club, scoring 11 goals in the 2022-23 campaign.

Arteta admits losing the Brazil international is a "big blow" with the new Premier League season just 10 days away.

"A big blow because we had him back to his best," Arteta said. "Especially with the way he played against Barcelona [a 5-3 win] 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.

"It’s something related to the previous injury he had and the surgery. He had some irritation in the knee and we had to get it resolved."

Arteta insists Jesus' injury does not change what he plans to do with striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun enjoyed a prolific loan spell with French side Reims last season, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions and is reportedly valued by Arsenal at £50m.

"The plans with Flo don’t change at all," Arteta added.

"But unfortunately with Gabby we’re not going to have him. We have other options to play with different qualities of players and we will adapt."

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