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.
suhakntz
535
Big up to Arteta for taking right decisions to get rid of some betrayal players so called big character like Ozil Auba and others even Arteta haters have seen arsenal under the right man is heading in the right direction. ARTETA please we believe in you as you have collected much timber don't panic Trossar Nketiah oderguards Saka and Marti are there to harvest white rice for our Partey don't forget Muhammad and jesus prayers
Kudbmnopuy
475
Arsenal look good to be honest and what a signing in J.Timber
Naeabcdnor
432
Timber is super signing,rice massive signing, Arsenal team super and untouchable Theo I am not Arsenal fan but I want to see this team win premier league this season and I wish all this players injury free. Once again congratulations Arsenal.
ClemJay
281
We don't need to be biased when we see a team with good team play just like what Arsenal displayed in tonight's community shield competition. Their new signings were highly impressive. I hope football lovers put aside their title rivalry and show some love to the Gunners display against a dominant city, let's appreciate the beautiful match that graced our screens today. Arsenal performed wonderfully
sikudouglas
129
Though Arteta almost destroyed Arsenal's party by substituting Timber for Tierney when Timber was arguably the best Arsenal player on the pitch by then
Shmonny
115
The referee was like:
Herflynamponsah
8
Arsenals played impressive football today i wish it continues to the start of the season