The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, but first, there’s so much for Arsenal to achieve before the 2025/26 season concludes.
There’s no rest for the Arsenal squad, as after fighting on all four fronts, their summer break will be cut short for the World Cup.
At present, several players will see their World Cup status as undecided, including England internationals Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
It’s not only Arsenal’s members of the Three Lions squad who will be aware that their seat on the plane is not yet reserved, as in Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has his work cut out to determine who will represent the Selecao.
Who is going to the World Cup and who is being left at home?
Gabriel Jesus sent double World Cup warning
Gabriel Martinelli will be eyeing the World Cup, as will Gabriel Jesus, who newly returned from the ACL injury that kept him out of action for a year.
Though Jesus has impressed in some Arsenal games upon his return, there are still questions asked about how much the 28-year-old can reliably contribute going forward.
Aside from form, Jesus’ claim to the World Cup squad is threatened by those around him, which is why what Endrick is doing on loan at Lyon is a concern for the Arsenal striker.
As relayed by BBC Sport, Real Madrid loanee Endrick is seen as a forward who offers something Ancelotti’s current options don’t, including Jesus.
“We don’t have that mobile number nine in the Brazil side,” said former Lyon defender Cris.
“We have Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, but there’s a space there for him [Endrick] to help the side with his mobility and the way he sees the game.”
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If Cris’s comments weren’t alarming enough, then Endrick’s reminder about the standards in the Brazilian national team was.
“If you don’t play well for your club, however, you can’t have a chance of playing for Brazil,” Endrick said.
Jesus has scored four goals in 16 appearances since returning from injury, which aren’t exactly mind-boggling numbers.
To contextualise, Endrick has four goals in his last three appearances for Lyon, so it’s fair to say that pressure is mounting on Jesus as competition rises.
Jesus can respond by helping Arsenal against Brentford
If anything, pressure is a good thing for Jesus, and for Arsenal, who need their striker firing to get the Premier League title over the line.
There’s no greater way for the Brazilian to put himself in Ancelotti’s good books than against Brentford, whom he’s enjoyed visiting in recent seasons at Arsenal.
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In Jesus’ last three trips to the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League, he’s scored twice.
Given what’s at stake in the title race on matchday 26, Arsenal would love to see the 28-year-old’s form at the ground continue.
Arsenal need their player to put on some statement performances, as does his country, who are planning for the World Cup.
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