Mikel Arteta says Arsenal simply did not want to take any risks with Gabriel Jesus’ fitness after the forward picked up a knock during the 4-0 win over Chelsea.
The club’s marquee summer signing has enjoyed a brilliant start to life as an Arsenal player, scoring four goals in as many games after his £45m move from Manchester City.
A deft chip over Edouard Mendy set Arteta’s side on their way to a big win over their London rivals but concern emerged when Jesus signalled to the bench just before the hour mark.
The 25-year-old was swiftly replaced by Eddie Nketiah, although any injury to Jesus would be a major blow.
Arsenal play only one more preseason game when they host Sevilla in the Emirates Cup before their Premier League opener, a trip to Crystal Palace to kick the campaign off.
Speaking after the game in Orlando, Arteta said of Jesus: “He got a knock in the first half in his quad I think it was and it wasn’t very comfortable to continue and obviously we didn’t take any risks today.”
