Arsenal star has now travelled for international duty despite injury fears

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Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has missed the last few games with injury, but has been called up to the Brazil squad for their upcoming fixtures.

Jesus’ presence in the squad was announced last week, with the striker’s fitness unclear for games against Sevilla and Burnley, but the 26-year-old did not feature in the matchday squad for either game.

It was previously reported that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal would talk to the Brazilian Football Federation about his fitness, with the club keen for him to not rush his recovery, but Brazil have two huge games against Colombia and Argentina coming up.

Gabriel Jesus travels to Brazil

A report from the Evening Standard has now claimed that the Arsenal forward has travelled to Brazil despite not featuring in recent club matches, and his fitness will be assessed by their medical staff.

Manager Fernando Diniz recently hinted that Brazil were annoyed with Arsenal in the last international break, as Gabriel Martinelli withdrew from the squad with injury before featuring in his side’s victory over Manchester City.

It now appears that they will assess Jesus themselves, and will make the forward available if he is fit, or will continue without him if he is still unable to return to action following a hamstring injury he picked up away at Sevilla.

A nightmare for Mikel Arteta?

Arteta saw Jesus return after beginning the campaign injured, and having gained full fitness, he was struck down by injury again.

With the striker on the verge of returning after the international break, Arteta will likely be unhappy that he may be risked in what promises to be physically intense Brazil matches, and if Jesus suffers another setback then there may be some anger from Arsenal towards the Brazil national team.

Arsenal will be eager to monitor Jesus closely if he does feature for Brazil, and if he is ready to return, this could be a good chance for him to build match fitness. Despite this, Arsenal would almost certainly prefer it if they could keep him at London Colney for the next two weeks.