Mikel Arteta reveals Gabriel Jesus’ injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared and claims attacker will be back SOON

Mikel Arteta has given a positive update on the condition of his striker Gabriel Jesus, claiming the Brazilian striker will be ‘back soon’ despite suffering a shock injury last week.

Arsenal are preparing to take on Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley this weekend and will miss out on the prolific attacker. The Spanish manager confirmed yesterday that he had undergone surgery on his knee.

The 26-year-old had some problems with his knee in particular last season after stumbling off the field against Cameroon during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup with a suspected medial ligament problem.

It led to him being sidelined for much of the season, with the 26-year-old missing 12 Premier League games before returning to play in March.

He was not included in the squad for Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against Monaco on Wednesday and it seems Eddie Nketiah, who started and scored during the game, could now take charge for the Gunners in the opening weeks of the new season. Premier League season. .

Arteta (pictured) said that although Jesus had surgery on his knee, he was “confident that he would be back soon”

It is likely that the striker (pictured) will miss the first few weeks of the Premier League season

But Arteta, speaking ahead of Sunday’s confrontation with his old mentor Pep Guardiola, seemed optimistic about Jesus’ situation despite his history of knee problems.

“He’s fine, obviously he was very disappointed, he felt very good and this issue came up,” he said at a news conference today.

“Nobody expected it and we had to do a small intervention there. But unfortunately it was the best thing to do.

‘(To do it) as soon as possible, the better. We made that decision. I’m sure he’ll be back soon and very fit.’

Arteta also provided an update on Bukayo Saka’s condition after he admitted after the match that he was not used because he had an ‘illness’.

He said, “Yes Bukayo is much better, he trained today.”

“We are very excited to play a final and have the chance to win a trophy,” he said when asked about this weekend’s game against Manchester City.

“We are playing against that is the team to beat. They were the best team in Europe last season and we know what the standards are and what we need (do) to win the game.’

With Arsenal’s Premier League season starting in just over a week, Arteta admitted he is still tinkering with his squad.

But his injury was met with some concern after missing much of the previous season with a knee problem

Meanwhile, Arteta also admitted he has “some more decisions to make” about his squad, having already brought several new faces to the club, including Declan Rice (pictured)

So far, the north London team has signed Declan Rice from West Ham for £105 million, Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million and Jurrien Timber for £40 million.

Several other players, including Folarin Balogun, Nicolas Pepe and Nuno Tavares, have also all returned from loan transfers.

But the Gunners boss hinted he is still looking for more new faces to ensure there is enough competition within his team.

“We’re working on a few things,” he said. “We have some decisions to make and there is still time to do that, we are very happy with the squad and we are working to make sure we have healthy competition within the squad.”

It comes as Arsenal have submitted a £20 million bid plus £3 million in add-ons to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as a competitor for Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks.

The Brentford goalkeeper has reportedly agreed personal terms and is keen to join the club.