Gabriel Jesus might not be available for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against West Ham later this month and will miss the remainder of Brazil’s World Cup run due to a knee injury.
The striker left the field in the 64th minute after suffering the injury during Friday’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
Alex Telles, a left back who also hobbled off injured in Brazil’s final Group G game with a right knee issue, has also been eliminated from the competition.
The Brazilian FA issued the following statement: “As announced by the Brazilian FA after the game against Cameroon, players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning. Accompanied by the Brazilian National Team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, they underwent an MRI on the right knee that confirmed the injuries and the impossibility of recovery in time to participate in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
“The coordinator of the Brazilian National Team, Juninho Paulista, is in contact with the sports directors of Arsenal and Sevilla to define whether Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus remain with the squad in Doha to continue the treatment or return to their clubs.”
Brazil is already concerned about Neymar’s health because he has missed their last two games due to an ankle injury.
The news presents a challenge for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who will visit West Ham on Boxing Day to resume their Premier League campaign.
Jesus is the second Arsenal player to quit his World Cup team early; in Qatar, defender Ben White departed from England’s group for “personal reasons.”
Gabriel Jesus Since joining Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer, Gabriel Jesus has been an important member of the team.
He started the season on a goal-scoring run and has since contributed greatly with his all-around talent. His improved traits have coincided with one of the Gunners’ greatest Premier League season beginnings in recent memory.
The 25-year-old’s performances won him a spot in the Brazil World Cup squad along with compatriot Gabriel Martinelli, who is attempting to win a record sixth World Cup for his country.
Jesus received the start for the final group match against Cameroon despite not having started the first few games.
The Selecao lost but didn’t affect their qualification for the round of 16, when Jesus left the game with a knee injury at the hour mark.
World Cup Dream Ends
Jesus’ World Cup dream has come to an end because he will miss the rest of the competition due to a knee injury.
To undertake a thorough evaluation of the injury and to start his rehabilitation time, the striker has returned to London with Arsenal.
The probable return date for Jesus after his injury has generated a lot of misunderstanding, as initial reports suggested that he would miss three to four weeks of activity before rejoining Arsenal in action.
Since then, more worrisome reports from Brazil have suggested that three months may have actually been the time frame.
If the latter is the case, it would be devastating that the 25-year-old would return around the end of the Premier League season.
