In a setback for Arsenal, the upcoming 2023-24 season is off to a challenging start as Gabriel Jesús, the Brazilian forward, is set to miss the initial games due to minor knee surgery. This development, confirmed by Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta, raises concerns about Jesús’ consistency and his role within the club.

Jesús’ absence is particularly disheartening for Arsenal, as he had recently showcased impressive form following his move from Manchester City. However, the lingering effects of knee irritation prompted the need for a minor knee operation, sidelining him for a few weeks.

This setback is not Jesús’ first encounter with knee troubles. In the previous season, he endured a knee injury during the World Cup, leading to a three-month absence from the field.

Arteta emphasized the significance of Jesús’ recovery, particularly in light of his recent commendable performances for the team. The manager’s hopes were high as Jesús had exhibited a return to top form before the knee discomfort necessitated the procedure.

The forward position has been a headache for Arsenal, and they have not found a player who leads the club’s attack; Jesús seemed to have everything to achieve it. Still, injuries have not allowed the player to consolidate himself as the benchmark in attack. It remains to be seen if Nketiah or Balogun will step forward and take the reins of an Arsenal that needs to shore up its offense.

This situation leaves Arsenal facing the challenge of commencing the season without Jesús, notably missing out on the Community Shield final against Manchester City. Jesús’ absence affects the team’s immediate matches and raises questions about the club’s attacking options and strategy.

As the new season approaches, Jesús’ injury draws attention to the need for consistent and reliable options within the team. The spotlight is now on Arsenal’s ability to navigate this hurdle and maintain a competitive edge, especially given the high expectations from fans and stakeholders.