Gabriel Jesus will be out for a few weeks – Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has confirmed attacker Gabriel Jesus will miss the start of the new Premier League season due to a knee injury.

The Brazilian was forced to miss Arsenal’s Emirates Cup match against Monaco on Wednesday, according to the club, and the knee ailment will now be ‘examined’ by the Gunners’ medical team.

The news will be devastating for Arsenal, especially since Jesus was out for much of last season with a knee injury sustained at the World Cup.

The former Manchester City striker has been in terrific form during pre-season, having scored 11 goals in 33 games for Arsenal last season, when they were beaten to the Premier League title by Manchester City.

“Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning. 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,” Arteta said after the Emirates Cup win over Monaco.

Eddie Nketiah, who covered for Jesus last season, was given another chance to start in attack due to Jesus’ absence against Monaco. And the former England Under-21 international scored in the 1-1 draw before the Gunners prevailed on penalties.