 Micah Richards believes Gabriel Jesus' pre-season injury has already 'killed' Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy Jesus, 26, will miss the start of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery last month. The Brazilian striker struggled with knee problems last season and was absent for a large part of Arsenal's surprising title challenge after injuring himself at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta said Jesus would be out 'for a few weeks' after the 'little procedure' but Richards believes his absence could have significant ramifications as Arsenal look to end their 20-year wait for a league title. The Gunners finished five points behind Manchester City last season and hope the additions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber can help the team go one better this term. But revealing his Premier League title prediction, Richards told BBC Sport: 'Man City's squad is still better than everyone else's. They won't win the treble again, but they will win the Premier League. Gabriel Jesus underwent knee surgery last month (Picture: Getty) 'I was close to picking Arsenal to win the title, because no team has ever won it four years in a row, but they are without Gabriel Jesus at the start of the season and I think that is just going to kill them.' Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz will look to fill the void left by Jesus' absence in the early stages of the Premier League season, though both have previously attracted criticism for wayward finishing. Arsenal begin their 2023-24 campaign on Saturday against Nottingham Forest, having beaten Manchester City on penalties in last weekend's Community Shield final. Micah Richards' top-four prediction Manchester City Arsenal Liverpool Manchester United Assessing his former club's hopes ahead of the new season, Gunners legend Martin Keown said: 'Of course I really want Arsenal to win the Pr){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Micah Richards believes Gabriel Jesus’ pre-season injury has already ‘killed’ Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
Jesus, 26, will miss the start of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery last month.
The Brazilian striker struggled with knee problems last season and was absent for a large part of Arsenal’s surprising title challenge after injuring himself at the World Cup.