Kieran Gibbs says Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is a ‘big blow’ to the club ahead of the new Premier League season.
The former Arsenal left-back is backing Mikel Arteta’s men to win the Premier League title this term, because Ilkay Gundogan has left Manchester City this summer.
But this injury news about Gabriel Jesus ‘isn’t ideal’, according to Gibbs, who told ESPN.
The £45 million transfer from Manchester City (Sky Sports) went through a rocky period on the sidelines last season when he returned from the 2022 World Cup injured.
That proved to be costly to the Brazil star’s season because, whilst he returned during the latter stages of the campaign, he was half-cooked and he couldn’t get going.
Prior to his most-recent injury, Jesus spoke about how he is still ‘suffering’ from the previous one, so, this latest setback is only going to derail him further.
“It’s a big blow,” said Gibbs. “It’s a big blow to my bet with Stevie (Nicol) as well, depending on how long (he is out for). If Gundogan left Man City (I said Arsenal would win the league this season) and he did leave.
“But this isn’t ideal. Depending on how long he is out for, remains to be seen. I liked Eddie and I like Balogun. I think the two of them, if they rotate and combine, whilst he is absent, I think there is enough there.”
Who replaces Jesus?
Eddie Nketiah is going to be the prime candidate after he filled that role for a brief period last season.
The Hale-End star faired well, at first, including that late winner against Manchester United, but he went off the boil after that.
Other possible contenders are summer signing Kai Havertz, left-sided wingers Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, or even perhaps a left-field pick in Bukayo Saka.
Either way, the answer will be known as Arsenal lock horns with Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
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