Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is set to miss the start of the Premier League season after undergoing knee surgery. Here are four ways Arsenal can line up in the Brazilian’s absence.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that the 26-year-old had undergone a procedure on his knee after Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out win over Monaco on Wednesday, and is set to be out for “a few weeks.”
The Gunners boss said: "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. It's not something major but he's going to be out for a few weeks.
"It's a big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona 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."
Arteta added that Jesus’ latest setback was related to a previous knee injury he suffered at last winter’s Qatar World Cup.Here are four ways Arsenal could line up without Jesus.
Eddie Nketiah as a No.9
After Jesus was forced to miss most of the second half of last term, Arteta put his faith in Eddie Nketiah.
The 24-year-old stepped up admirably, claiming nine goals in all competitions across the campaign, including a crucial brace in a 3-2 win against Manchester United in January.
The Englishman impressed once again in Jesus’ absence, scoring the Gunners' only goal in the 1-1 draw with AS Monaco at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.After the game, Nketiah stressed he was confident he will continue performing if tasked with leading the line when Arsenal kick off the season at home against Nottingham Forest next Saturday.
"We want [Jesus] back as soon as possible," Nketiah said. "We need him, he's a big player for us.
"I don't think I'm here to fill in for anyone. I'm here to play and contribute to the team. Obviously, I believe in my abilities, and I know I can contribute. The manager has a tough decision, but whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver."
Folarin Balogun at No.9
Another option would be Folarin Balogun as a central striker. The 22-year-old scored some 21 goals while on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims last season, yet has attracted interest from Inter Milan in the off-season.
However, Arteta was adamant that Jesus’ injury would make no difference to his transfer plans. In turn, the chances of Balogun leading the line are slim.
"The plans with Flo [Balogun] don't change at all but unfortunately with Gabby we're not going to have him," Arteta said. "We have other options to play with different qualities of players and we will adapt.”
Leandro Trossard false 9
Leandro Trossard was deployed as a false nine at various points last term and impressed his boss.
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Arteta would try the Belgian in that position against certain opposition.
"He was really good," said Arteta, after Trossard netted in a 1-0 win against Leicester City having started the encounter as a false 9. "He got involved in many situations that could have ended in many big chances. He was involved in the incredible goal he scored that was disallowed. He was involved in the goal of Gabi with the pass he plays to him.
"He is so good in the small spaces. He’s got that creativity to open people up and I’m really happy with him."
Kai Havertz false 9
Kai Havertz played as a false nine for Chelsea for most of last season, to the frustration of much of the Blues fanbase.
He claimed nine goals in 47 appearances across all competitions and was guilty of squandering several big opportunities for his side.
The German has been signed by Arteta as a No.8, however, should it be needed, he is capable of operating as a striker.
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