Brazil and Arsenal have been dealt a major blow with Gabriel Jesus ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.
There is additional bad news for the Gunners as well as it is believed that the 25-year-old faces three months on the sidelines and needs surgery.
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Jesus has featured in all three of Brazil’s World Cup matches – most recently in Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon where he made his first start of the tournament.
And following his second half substitution, he complained of pain in his knee.
Brazil later confirmed that he would be ruled out of the World Cup.
According to Brazilian publication sporttv, he is facing three months on the sidelines and needs surgery.
The ex-Manchester City star, who has been a revelation at the Emirates, has been playing through the pain at Arsenal.
It is a significant blow for Mikel Arteta’s top-of-the-table side.
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His absence from Arsenal will see him miss the Boxing Day home clash against Brighton, before the New Year’s Eve trip to Brighton.
It remains to be seen whether Jesus will be involved in the matches against Newcastle [January 3], Tottenham [January 15] and Manchester United [January 22].
The Gunners then have a further five matches in February, including the crucial clash with Man City.
Should he be out for the full three months, he is looking at a return in the start of March.
While Jesus should be back on the pitch in the near future, the same can’t be said for compatriot Alex Telles, who has also been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.
The Manchester United defender – on loan at Sevilla – could be forced to require surgery on his knee.
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Telles left the pitch in tears against Cameroon after going off injured.
Meanwhile Neymar‘s fitness remains a mmystery, with the Paris Saint-Germain winger failing to feature since the opening group stage win against Serbia.
The former Barcelona forward picked up an ankle injury, before suffering from sickness.
And he could once again miss out when Brazil face South Korea in their Round of 16 clash.
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