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Brazil’s team doctor has played down fears of Gabriel Jesus exacerbating his existing hamstring injury on international duty, providing an update on the striker’s fitness.
Jesus has been out of action for three weeks after succumbing to his latest injury, suffering a hamstring problem after a starring role in the Gunners’ 2-1 away win to Sevilla in October.
Yet he has still been called up to the Brazil squad, with Fernando Diniz’s side less than dominant in the CONMEBOL qualification group for the next World Cup.
‘We have been following the player’s situation since he was injured,’ Rodrigo Lasmar told reporters. ‘We have maintained contact with the player, and with Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus was called up to the Brazil national squad despite picking up a fitness issue
The Arsenal star striker injured his hamstring against Sevilla in the Champions League
‘We know that he has been recovering from a muscle injury to the back of his right thigh and has already started working on his physical adaptation on the field.
‘But the fact that we bring the player is Diniz’s philosophy, bringing the whole group, having all the players close.’
Brazil are currently third in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group after four games, tied on seven points with Uruguay and Venezuela.
Diniz has faced questions over his side’s shaky form, winning only three of their last seven games since their disappointing World Cup exit.
As such, the Fluminense boss – who has recently won the Copa Libertadores – has been keen to have all his players together to cultivate chemistry and harness some togetherness to spur his side on.
The inclusion of Jesus, therefore, would suggest that he is a key part of the nation’s plans given that he has been called up despite likely not being able to play any part in the upcoming clashes.
‘The player has not yet arrived and I have not evaluated him, I will provide a more detailed position,’ Lasmar added.
‘But, as soon as he arrives, he will undergo all the evaluations and we will continue this final phase of the player’s rehabilitation.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping for the swift return of the Brazilian ahead of the hectic festive period
Fernando Diniz’s Brazil side are only third in their CONMEBOL qualifying group ahead of their clashes with Colombia and Argentina
‘We have not made any decisions about when he will play, but it is important to have him close.’
The Selecao will take on Colombia on Friday with the Cafeteros ranked No 17 in the world and just a point behind them in the group, before a mouth-watering clash with arch enemies Argentina, who lead the way with four wins from four.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s back-up striker Eddie Nketiah has also picked up an injury of his own that ruled him out of the games against Sevilla and saw him start against Burnley on the bench, although he did enter the fray after the break.
With the games coming thick and fast ahead of the festive period, Arteta will be hoping to have his No 1 striker fit and firing sooner rather than later.
