Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that striker Gabriel Jesus will miss Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester United due to an injury sustained in last season’s meeting between the two sides.
The Gunners will, however, have a number of new faces available for selection following an active summer in the transfer market.
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Among them is Viktor Gyokeres, who previously worked with United boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and is poised to make his Premier League debut.
Arsenal have also bolstered their ranks with the arrivals of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfielder Christian Norgaard, Spanish international Martin Zubimendi, and winger Noni Madueke.
Concerns over the fitness of forward Leandro Trossard appear to have eased, with Arteta suggesting the Belgian could feature at Old Trafford.
“I think he’s much better,” Arteta told reporters. “I think he will be able to train again tomorrow and, if that’s the case, he will be fit.”
On Gyokeres, the Arsenal boss expressed optimism about the striker’s readiness despite limited training time with the squad.
“He [Gyokeres] is getting better and better every day. He’s normally a really fit player. It’s true that he hasn’t trained so much with us. He had those two moments in games when he’s participated and the feeling was very good, so let’s see what we do on Sunday.”
Arteta also provided a positive update on new signing Zubimendi, who is expected to be in contention.
“I’m reallly happy with [Zubimendi] and he will be fit,” he added.
The highly anticipated clash will see Arteta’s reshaped squad go head-to-head with Amorim’s United in a battle that could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
