5 Arsenal Stars Who Can Replace Injured Jesus Ahead of Man City Clash for Community Shield

• Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus will miss the start of the Premier League season with a knee injury
• The Brazilian striker withdrew from the team ahead of the Emirates Cup win over Monaco
• English striker Eddie Nketiah is expected to deputise for Jesus as he did earlier in the year

Arsenal will be without first-choice striker, Gabriel Jesus, for the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season after he pulled out of the squad before the Emirates Cup win over Monaco.

After the game, head coach, Mikel Arteta confirmed Jesus he underwent a minor procedure and while it is 'nothing serious', he will miss a few weeks. This comes as a big blow because he was just getting back to his best.

Sports Brief looks at five Gunners stars who can deputise for the Brazilian starting from the Community Shield clash against his former club, Manchester City, on Sunday.

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1. Eddie Nketiah

He is the obvious choice to start in Jesus' absence, having done similarly when the Brazilian returned from the 2022 World Cup with a knee injury. Mirror UK reported that he denounced the deputy tag as he believes in his ability to lead the line when called upon.

2. Folarin Balogun

The American impressed on loan at Reims last season, scoring 21 league goals in Ligue 1. He faces a possible exit as he could not be guaranteed a starting berth next season. Football London reports that Arsenal want £50 million for the 21-year-old but could be forced to change their plans after Jesus' injury.

3. Kai Havertz

The summer recruit from rivals, Chelsea, Havertz played as a number 9 for most of his Blues career, including during last year's underwhelming campaign. His versatility interested Arteta to sanction £67.5mil for him - and if there is a time to put that to use, it is now.

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4. Leandro Trossard

The Belgian was poached from Brighton and Hove Albion in January and can play anywhere across up-front in Arteta's preferred 4-3-3 as well as a left-sided number 8, similar to how Granit Xhaka was deployed last season. Trossard is convenient on both feet, making him an ideal candidate centrally.

5. Gabriel Martinelli

The left winger can step in for his compatriot. Similar to Trossard, he can play anywhere across the front three while his ability to take defenders on and his effectiveness on both feet makes him an exciting choice for the centre-forward role.

Ferdinand issues advice to Arteta

Sports Brief also reported on former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, advising Arteta on what was next after Arsenal spent £200m in the market.

The footballer-turned-pundit claimed the Gunners need reinforcements in the attacking, particularly the right wing, where star, Bukayo Saka, will need cover.