GABRIEL JESUS has been ruled out for at least a month with a knee injury in a major blow to both Brazil and Arsenal.
The 25-year-old picked up the knock in the 64th minute of the Samba Boys’ final World Cup group stage clash – a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon – having come off the bench.
And following a scan, Brazil confirmed his Qatar journey was over – as well as Manchester United full-back Alex Telles, currently on loan at Sevilla, who was also subbed clutching his knee.
While Telles is expected to need surgery, Jesus’ injury is seen to be less serious – but will still miss the Gunners’ festive period, starting on Boxing Day, a in a serious dent to their early title charge.
It is unclear whether Jesus or Telles will stay with the Brazil camp or return to their clubs for further treatment.
A Brazil statement said: “As announced by the Brazilian FA after the game against Cameroon, players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning.
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“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 head coach Tite is fearing an injury crisis, with star man Neymar sidelined with ankle ligament damage having already missed the last two group games.
Right-back Danilo (ankle) and left-back Alex Sandro (hip) are also doubts for their Last 16 tie against South Korea on Monday.
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As for Jesus, he is now set to miss Arsenal’s clash with West Ham on December 26, as well as their New Years’ Eve trip to Brighton and potentially a January 3 game versus Newcastle.
He will then be in a race against time to get back into Mikel Arteta’s squad for two crucial back-to-back fixtures away at rivals Tottenham and then at home to Manchester United later that month.
Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League, having lost just once.
But they will now be reliant on back-up striker Eddie Nketiah to produce the goals that have seen the north London club so far romp the Prem.
Jesus is the second Arsenal player to leave the World Cup early, with defender Ben White leaving the England camp due to personal reasons.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
