Arsenal are worried about the seriousness of Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury after Brazil coach Tite denied ‘diabolical rumours’ that he was aware of the striker’s injury before he played against Cameroon....CONTINUE READING
According to reports in Brazil, Jesus could be out of action for up to three months, but Tite expressed his dissatisfaction with the ‘haters’ who said they put the player’s health at risk. Jesus was injured in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Cameroon on Friday, and under went an MRI on Saturday morning.
“We don’t like to hear lies, lies,” Tite said in response to speculation that Jesus complained of pain in his right knee before the game. “We don’t have time for that.”
Arsenal are in contact with Brazil’s medical staff, but club officials say it is time for a full assessment of the extent of the striker’s injury.
Tite also visited Arsenal before the World Cup, and “there was no time” for Jesus’ injury to be assessed according to Brazil’s management. “The liars, the haters are out there – they should go and do something else,” Tite added.
“They should stop spreading this fake news. Arsenal have a good medical service. We have a good health service. “We are responsible people and we take great responsibility for the health of our players. We never take any risks.
Jesus is Brazil’s fifth injury problem of the tournament, although Neymar, who picked up a leg injury in their opening match with Serbia, is expected to start today against South Korea. Neymar has struggled with his right leg and underwent surgery for a metatarsal fracture four years ago.
Tite took the microphone and answered ‘yes’ when Thiago Silva was asked if Neymar would play, confirming his return to the starting XI. He will be an addition to a squad affected by health problems, with right-back Danilo suffering from an ankle sprain against Serbia and Alex Sandro picking up a hip injury against Switzerland.
On Saturday, Alex Telles and Jesus were dismissed for the rest of the competition. Tite insisted that Neymar’s return has been approved by the team’s medical experts and that the player’s well-being is a priority.
“If he plays, it’s because he’s good and ready to go, to play from the start and the whole game without limits,” said Tite. “My preference is always to play the best players from the start.”
A long absence from Jesus, meanwhile, will damage Arsenal’s chances of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League crown.
