Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has travelled to join the Brazilian national squad ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina later this month, per the Evening Standard.
The decision of Brazil manager Fernando Diniz and the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) to call Jesus up has raised eyebrows as he has been injured for the past three weeks.
The former Manchester City attacker has been carrying a hamstring injury he sustained against Sevilla in the Champions League on October 24.
Jesus has been undergoing rehabilitation in London to recover from the problem. He has missed the last five games in all competitions including the 3-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday.
When Diniz announced his squad on November 6, he was aware of Jesus’ injury situation and said he would assess the player himself.
Arsenal have managed admirably without their striking duo – Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
Manager Mikel Arteta has used a frontline of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka. It worked perfectly against Burnley.
Brazil will now check on Jesus and see if he is fit to contribute to their upcoming games.
The Selecao will be desperate to have all hands on deck when they take on their South American counterparts, looking to make ground in the qualifying standings.
Brazil currently sit in third place on the same seven points as Uruguay, while World Cup champions Argentina top the table with 12 points.
Diniz has not had a great start to his tenure as interim Brazil coach. He won his first two matches against Bolivia and Peru, but they have since struggled against Venezuela (1-1) and lost to Uruguay.
He will hope to turn their results around in these crucial games, with or without Jesus.
