What Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko did at half-time of Arsenal clash vs Man City| SolSportHQ
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Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko both joined Arsenal from Manchester City last summer and had a huge impact on Mikel Arteta’s squad
Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko were spotted talking to their former Manchester City teammates during half-time of the FA Community Shield clash between the two sides at Wembley. The two ex-City players joined the Gunners last summer and improved Mikel Arteta’s squad drastically – helping them challenge for the Premier League title.
Zinchenko has missed the majority of pre-season due to a calf injury. The Ukrainian defender played 11 minutes of action during Saturday’s Game4Ukraine charity match – but was omitted from Arteta’s matchday squad to face City at Wembley.
Summer signing Jurrien Timber has filled the void left by Zinchenko at left-back – with Kieran Tierney dropping down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners’ new £65million star, Kai Havertz, was given the chance to show his quality in Jesus’ absence with the German preferred in the No.9 role against City – whilst Eddie Nketiah was amongst the substitutes.
“He’s obviously disappointed because he was feeling good and then this issue came up that nobody expected. We had to do a little procedure there but unfortunately it was the best thing to do and the quicker the better.
“We made that decision. I’m sure he will be back soon and very fit,” Arteta added.
The good news for Arsenal is that Jesus was seen walking freely without the use of crutches or a knee brace following his surgery. This suggests that the Brazil international could return before the end of the month – with the likes of Havertz, Nketiah and Leandro Trossard providing quality cover in Jesus’ absence.
Arteta has been faced with a fresh injury concern ahead of the Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest – with Jorginho suffering from a slight muscular problem.
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