Brazil boss Fernando Diniz hints Gabriel Jesus could face Argentina as Arsenal sweat over injury fears

Published: 23:02, 15 Nov 2023Updated: 23:02, 15 Nov 2023

Gabriel Jesus could feature in Brazil’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Argentina next week – much to the dismay of Arsenal.

The 26-year-old was called up by the Selecao for international duty despite not featuring since injuring his hamstring away at Sevilla on October 24.

Jesus could feature in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina next week

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta declared earlier this month that the former Manchester City striker faces ‘weeks’ on the sidelines.

Though he could be back in action sooner than Arsenal had hoped for, with Brazil manager Fernando Diniz hinting he is prepared to play him.

While the away clash at Colombia later in the week is expected to come too soon for Jesus, he may find himself in the matchday squad when Brazil welcome the World Cup champions to the Maracana on November 22.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Diniz stated that should Jesus pass fitness tests, he will be in consideration to play.

Diniz said: “My concern is with Gabriel. We brought him here for some reasons and that it was important to him.

“He was one of the players, who even when we played a match below our standards against Uruguay, managed to make a positive impact in the game.

“It was a very difficult game but he got there and played well. He helped us sustain our position and create difficulty, sometimes even individually.

“I trust the player and he being here, I take satisfaction. He didn’t come here without planning. He said he was feeling good and already doing certain things.

Jesus hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring away at Sevilla last month

Diniz has stated that Jesus could feature if he passes fitness testsCredit: AFP

“When I talked to him he had two more weeks left. We thought it interesting to risk bringing him here. He is in good condition. We are doing things with great care.

“As soon as he arrived, he had a new MRI. We are treating him very carefully. If he does not have a condition, he will be available against Argentina.

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“For Gabriel, it was very important for him to come here and he will return to Arsenal even better than when he got here.”

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are worried that Brazil will ignore their concerns over rushing Jesus back to action.

The news outlet states that the north Londoners wanted the player to remain in England to continue his rehabilitation.

Sporting director Edu, who left his role at Brazil to return to London Colney in 2019, is believed to be in regular contact with the Selecao’s medical team.

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