Why Jorginho missed Arsenal Community Shield game against Man City
Mikel Arteta is facing a few injury concerns ahead of the start of the new Premier League season following Gabriel Jesus’ knee operation that will see him sidelined for a few weeks.
Mikel Arteta has been handed yet another injury blow ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley this afternoon. Gabriel Jesus is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks after undergoing a knee operation earlier this week.
Ahead of today’s clash with the Brazilian’s former club, Arteta provided an update on the striker. “He’s fine,” the Arsenal boss said.
“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.
In Jesus’ absence, the Gunners manager has selected summer signing Kai Havertz to start at striker ahead of Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard. Havertz arrived from Chelsea for a £65million fee, following former Chelsea teammate Jorginho to Arsenal.
The Italian midfielder has recently been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer despite only signing for Arsenal in January. Jorginho was a noticeable absentee from Arteta’s squad this afternoon with the club confirming that the Italy international has been left out of Arteta’s squad to face City due to a slight muscle issue.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also absent from the matchday squad for the FA Community Shield clash despite the Ukrainian defender playing 11 minutes of action during Saturday’s Game4Ukraine charity match. Zinchenko has been struggling with a calf injury during pre-season with Jurrien Timber set to start at left-back against City this afternoon.
