Gabriel Jesus and Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea are two big names who are set to miss 2023/24 Premier League opening match week.
The two attacking midfielders picked up injuries with their respective teams during preseason friendlies. However, the fears of the fans have been allayed with recent updates on the duo’s injury condition.
Mikel Arteta confirms update on Gabriel Jesus’ injury
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has confirm Gabriel Jesus will miss Arsenal’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday, 6 August 2023 and is also set to miss Arsenal’s Premier League opening kickoff against Nottingham Forest.
Gabriel Jesus was left out of Arsenal’s last preseason clash against Monaco due to a knee issue which saw him sidelined again.
His recent injury has been linked to the medial ligament issue he picked up in 2022 World Cup group stage clash against Cameroon. Gabriel Jesus was sidelined following the injury and could not return to action with the Gunners. He underwent surgery on the knee issue and missed 12 matchweeks before returning to Premier League action in March when the season was about to end.
His recent injuries was a cause for concern as fears mount he may likely return to another long spell on the sidelines as the Gunners prepare to wage another challenge for the Premier League title this season.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Gabriel Jesus will undergo examination on the injury and will be back with the Gunners soon.
“He is fine obviously he was very disappointed, he was feeling very good and this issue came up.”
”Nobody expected it and we had to do a little procedure there. But unfortunately it was the best thing to do.
”[To do it] as quickly as possible the better. We made that decision. I’m sure he will be back soon and very fit.’ he said in Community Shield pre-match press conference,” Arteta said during Community Shield pre-match press conference.
Christopher Nkunku injury update confirmed
Christopher Nkunku is another big name who picked up an issue during preseason friendly.
The French attacking midfielder was forced off the pitch in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund. It was unclear whether Christopher Nkunku will endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the injury but a recent update on his situation carried by The Evening Standard reveals the Blues’ new signing will only miss ‘weeks of action’ not months.
This means Christopher will miss Chelsea’s opening Premier League clash against Liverpool on 12 August 2023.
However, it is still unclear whether the midfielder will return on Chelsea’s second Premier League clash against West Ham as the exact timeline of his return is yet to be ascertained.
Nkunku was prolific for Chelsea in the club’s preseason campaign, scoring two goals in 3 matches for the Blues. The former RB Leipzig attacker will hope to recover soon and return to his game with the Blues.
