06 November 2023 , 19:45
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Arsenal and Brazil are on collision course after Gabriel Jesus was called up for the Selecao’s November internationals.
The Gunners hitman is one of three Brazilians at the Emirates called up for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with Colombia and Argentina. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes and flying winger Gabriel Martinelli have both also been selected as part of a 24-man squad by head coach Fernando Diniz.
The Arsenal trio are among 10 Premier League stars included, including Newcastle pair Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, Brighton forward Joao Pedro, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, Spurs defender Emerson Royal and goalkeeping duo Alisson and Ederson of Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
Arsenal star Jesus has missed their last three matches since limping out of the Champions League win over Sevilla last month. And with Arsenal not wanting to rush him back and risk further problems with his injured hamstring - as revealed by Mirror Football on Monday - he may not feature in their remaining two games before the international break, against Sevilla on Wednesday and Burnley at the weekend.
But Brazil have their own No.9 issues, which have seen the Real Madrid-bound wonderkid Endrick, plying his trade in his homeland with Palmeiras and still only 17, called up, as well as another home-based player, Atletico MG’s Paulinho.
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There’s no shortage of attacking talent in the squad, including Real Madrid duo Rodrigo and Vinicius Jr and Barcelona ’s Raphinha, but they are lacking a central focal point - which is why they’re so keen to have the ex-Manchester City man involved. Brazil are without all-time leading goalscorer Neymar due to injury also.
Gabriel Jesus picked up a muscle issue vs Sevilla (Getty Images)Arsenal faced a similar situation during the last international break with England and Bukayo Saka. On that occasion, the Three Lions selected Saka, before he withdrew through injury.
Brazil will expect Jesus to report to South America next week unless they are satisfied by both player and club that his injury will keep him out of action. That won't happen if he features for Arsenal in either game.