Eddie Nketiah has vowed to step up for Arsenal in the absence of Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of the new season after it was revealed that Jesus will miss the start of the campaign with a knee injury.
Jesus had minor surgery yesterday and, speaking after last night's Emirates Cup win against Monaco, Mikel Arteta said the Brazilian would be out for "a few weeks".
Nketiah was handed the captain's armband last night, with Martin Odegaard on the bench. The 24-year-old scored to make it 1-1 in the first half after Youssouf Fofana's opener, before the Gunners won 5-4 on penalties.
Nketiah is confident he will continue performing if tasked with leading the line when Arsenal kick off their title challenge at home against Nottingham Forest next Saturday.
"We want [Jesus] back as soon as possible," Nketiah said. "We need him, he's a big player for us.
"I don't think I'm here to fill in for anyone. I'm here to play and contribute to the team. Obviously I believe in my abilities, I know I can contribute. The manager has a tough decision, but whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver."
Jesus's injury is linked to the knee surgery that kept him out for more than three months last season, with Arsenal hoping his latest operation will provide a more permanent solution.
Arteta will be keen to have Jesus back as soon as possible but it remains to be seen how much, if at all, he features before the September international break.
Arsenal have four Premier League games until then, finishing against Manchester United on September 3.
"Unfortunately, he had a little procedure this morning," Arteta revealed last night. "He's had some discomfort in his knee that has been causing some issues and they had to go in and resolve it. It's not something major but he's going to be out for a few weeks I think."
Jesus started two of Arsenal's three matches in the pre-season tour of the United States, including a 5-3 win over Barcelona in Los Angeles.
Arteta said: "A big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona and he was in good condition, but unfortunately we lost him."
Aside from Nketiah, Arteta does have other options to consider in forward areas. Leandro Trossard is in fine form after scoring three times in pre-season and could play as a false-nine, while Kai Havertz played as centre-forward for Chelsea.
Arteta insists Arsenal's plans for striker Folarin Balogun, who is strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer "don't change at all" despite the injury to Jesus.
Nketiah started up front for much of the period Jesus missed after the World Cup last season, scoring six goals in as many matches after the season resumed in January, and he is relishing the prospect of another run in the side.
"I just really enjoyed it," he said. "I was able to improve myself, test myself and play some really big games.
"I was able to help and that's what it's about - playing at the highest level and competing for trophies. That's what I want to do."
