Arsenal to ‘hold talks’ as Arteta makes injury stance clear after international call-up

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Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus has been called up for the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break, despite currently being injured.

Jesus has not featured for Arsenal since picking up an injury in his side’s victory away at Sevilla in the Champions League, but has been selected by Fernando Diniz for crucial qualifying matches against Colombia and Argentina next week.

Given that Jesus is set to miss the match against Sevilla with his hamstring injury, it would be a surprise, and may be an annoyance to Mikel Arteta, if he is to play for his country before returning to club action.

Arsenal set for talks with Brazil over Gabriel Jesus

A report from The Evening Standard has now revealed that Arsenal are set to “hold talks” with the Brazil Football Federation later this week over Jesus’ fitness.

If Jesus makes his Arsenal return against Burnley before the International break, then it will be difficult to keep him out of the Brazil team, but if he still cannot return on Saturday, then Arsenal will make the case that he cannot feature internationally.

Arsenal are concerned about Jesus’ injury, and wish to be cautious as Arteta does not want to take risks over his players. Travelling to South America for two high intensity games whilst carrying his injury does not reflect caution.

Jesus could travel with Brazil

Even if he does not feature for Arsenal, if Jesus is fit to return to some form of action, then travelling with the Brazil squad could be a good thing.

He could use the two games to come off the bench and slowly build his fitness back up before returning to Arsenal, if Diniz is willing to make him a substitute.

Arsenal may see his long-distance travelling as a frustration, and may prefer to keep him in London, but if Jesus is eager to play for his country, then there is little they can do to stop him given the magnitude of games they are set to play in.