 Eddie Nketiah says he is ready and waiting to lead the line for Arsenal as the new season begins without their talisman Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Jesus will miss the opening few games of the 2023/24 campaign with a knee injury sustained in pre-season. The No.9 is vital to the way Mikel Arteta's side play and will come as a huge blow as they attempt to make a winning start to the season and mount another title challenge. Arsenal kick-off their season on Sunday against Manchester City in the Community Shield, before Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham. When Jesus was ruled out for several months last season after injuring himself at the World Cup, Nketiah deputised and initially performed really well, scoring six goals in as many games when the campaign resumed. However, this form dropped off and the striker was eventually dropped for new signing Leandro Trossard. Now, Nketiah faces competition to start the clash against City not only from the Belgian winger, but also Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun and Kai Havertz. Gabriel Jesus is out injured for the next few weeks (Photo: Getty) But the 24-year-old believes Arteta should put his faith in him especially after he scored and skippered the side against Monaco in their last pre-season friendly on Wednesday. 'I don't think I'm here to fill in for anyone. I'm here to play and contribute to the team,' he told ESPN. 'Obviously, I believe in my abilities and I know I can contribute. The manager has got a tough decision and whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver and I can help the team, so it's just about us all collectively playing our part to achieve our goals. 'Playing at the highest level, competing for trophies and that's what I want to do. That's what I want to contribute. 'I pride myself on always being ready){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Eddie Nketiah says he is ready and waiting to lead the line for Arsenal as the new season begins without their talisman Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Jesus will miss the opening few games of the 2023/24 campaign with a knee injury sustained in pre-season.
The No.9 is vital to the way Mikel Arteta’s side play and will come as a huge blow as they attempt to make a winning start to the season and mount another title challenge.