Gabriel Jesus opts for surgery on broken metatarsal

Gabriel Jesus is out for at least two months after Manchester City’s Brazilian wonder-kid suffered a broken metatarsal.

The 19-year-old hobbled out of City’s 2-0 win at Bournemouth after 14 minutes and will undergo surgery to ensure he does not suffer a recurrence of the injury.

City’s medical staff gave the forward the option of physiotherapy or surgery — the former meaning he would be back sooner, within four weeks, but with the risk of fresh damage to the affected area.

The decision was taken for the forward to undergo surgery to completely fix the broken bone in his right foot, even though it means he may only be back for the last month of the season.

Jesus flew back to Manchester from the south-coast with the rest of the City squad and underwent scans on Tuesday which confirmed the break that will keep him side-lined for a prolonged period.

The injury is a bitter blow to City boss Pep Guardiola, who had made Jesus his first-choice striker at the expense of Sergio Aguero, who started their last three games on the bench.

But the enforced loss of Jesus has reopened the door for Aguero, who had been facing a lengthy spell as a substitute, with Jesus gelling so successfully with fellow attackers Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling.

Aguero will be restored as City’s first-choice striker while Jesus is side-lined, but the 28-year-old is still facing an uncertain future, with a summer move increasingly likely after six years in Manchester.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring Aguero’s situation ahead of a potential summer bid, with Guardiola having already declared Jesus, Sane and Sterling as the “future” of City.

Jesus, a £27million signing from Palmeiras in his homeland, made a sensational start to his City career, scoring three goals in his first two Premier League games, as well as providing two assists.

The teenager kept Aguero on the bench for the third game running at Bournemouth but his night was short-lived with the injury that has sabotaged his debut season in England.

A City statement said: “Manchester City can confirm Gabriel Jesus suffered a fractured metatarsal during the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Monday night.”

“The 19-year-old was withdrawn from action after 15 minutes of the game and assessed by the Club’s medical staff.”

“He will undergo further examinations in the coming days to establish the extent of his layoff.”

“We wish Gabriel a speedy recovery and we will keep you updated on his progress via the Club’s official channels in the coming days.”