Arsenal and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus suffers ‘crushing injury blow’ during World Cup

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has suffered a crushing injury blow, according to reports.

Jesus went into the World Cup in fine form after a fast start to his career at Arsenal. Goals did dry up a little for the Brazilian, as far as club football is concerned, but he continued to contribute significantly to the Gunners’ efforts as they put together a superb start to the campaign.

After five goals and six assists 14 Premier League outings, there was no doubting Jesus would be called up to the Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup, but it seems his tournament will be cut short. Brazil finished top of their group despite losing their final group game, against Cameroon on Friday.

Jesus had made substitute appearances for the first two games, but he was handed a start against Cameroon as Tite made changes to save legs ahead of a busy competition schedule, with Brazil hoping to make a long run in Qatar. But Jesus had to be withdrawn after 64 minutes with a knee injury, and initial reports are suggesting his World Cup could be over.

Brazilian outlet Globo are saying early tests have suggested Jesus will be out of the rest of the World Cup, and that he could even miss some of Arsenal’s festive fixtures when club football returns after Christmas. That would be a huge blow for the Gunners, who have relied heavily upon Jesus so far this season.

Mikel Arteta does have Eddie Nketiah to call upon, but the loss of Jesus would be a big blow as Arsenal look to pick up where they left off. Meanwhile, it’s a huge blow for Jesus personally, given he will have wanted to have a big say on Brazil’s World Cup bid in Qatar.

Richarlison is Tite’s starter as things stand, and there will be even greater reliance on the Spurs star if these reports are accurate.

Meanwhile, Alex telles is also set to miss the rest of the World Cup through injury, according to the report, suffering an injury to the same knee as Jesus., and Neymar Jr still hasn’t resumed training after an injury of his own.