22 November 2023 , 08:23
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would have had his fingers crossed Gabriel Jesus would be rested for Brazil's highly-anticipated grudge match against fierce rivals Argentina on Tuesday.
Instead, the striker was one of three Gunners stars to feature and the only one to play the full 90 minutes in a clash that was soured by violence between fans before the game. The tension inside the Maracana was palpable long before the game was due to start and ahead of kick-off, it descended into chaos as supporters clashed with each other in the stands.
Riot police then led a baton charge towards the Argentina fans, which prompted goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to try and intervene by attempting to slap the baton out of one officer's hand. Two supporters were taken out on a stretcher and plenty more were left bloodied and bruised.
Things were hardly more friendly on the pitch, with a number of bone-crunching challenges flying in. All in all, the atmosphere was not one Arteta would have wanted his star striker, whom he had deemed unfit beforehand, to play in.
Arsenal had made clear they felt Jesus was not fit enough to make the journey to South America and play, instead suggesting he continued his recovery in north London. That suggestion was swiftly ignored by Brazil boss Fernando Diniz, who named Jesus in the squad and proceeded to play him for the full 90 minutes against Argentina.
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Jesus was last seen in an Arsenal shirt on October 24, during the 2-1 away win over Sevilla in the Champions League. FIFA rules allow Brazil to call up the 26-year-old regardless of what the Gunners' medical team may think or how ready they deem the former Manchester City ace.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Were Brazil wrong to ignore Arsenal's assessment of Jesus? Comment below
Gabriel Jesus wasn't expected to play the full 90 minutes for Brazil against ArgentinaThankfully for Arteta, it looks as if Jesus managed to make it through the intense derby showdown without sustaining any damage and could make an appearance for Arsenal away at Brentford on Saturday evening. The same goes for the two other Gunners players who represented Brazil against the reigning world champions.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes both played for more than 70 minutes before being withdrawn. Neither managed their finest game and in the instance of Gabriel Magalhaes, the centre-back hardly covered himself in glory trying to stop Nicolas Otamendi from scoring what proved to be the winner.
The aforementioned duo are likely to play more of a role during Arsenal's trip to Brentford at the weekend given they have played more football than Jesus in recent weeks and won't need any time to get back up to speed.