Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal striker omitted from Brazil squad for Colombia trip but could face Argentina

The Gunners are desperate to ensure that their first-choice striker is not rushed back too soon from a hamstring injury

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been left out of the Brazil squad for their World Cup qualifier against Colombia on Thursday.

Jesus has not played for Arsenal since October 24 after injuring his hamstring in a 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League.

The striker was nonetheless called up by Brazil last week ahead of their latest World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

Jesus has been taking part in some training this week, but not always with the main group and he has now been left out of the squad for Thursday's game in Colombia.

The 26-year-old has stayed behind at Brazil’s base at Teresopolis and will work with physio Charles Costa, trainer Marquinhos and doctor Felipe Kalil to continue his recovery.

After Colombia, Brazil will face arch-rivals Argentina at home on Tuesday and Jesus has not been ruled out of that game.

Arsenal are keeping in constant contact with Brazil to ensure the striker is not rushed back. Jesus had a knee issue in the summer, which required surgery, and has started just four Premier League games so far this season.

Gabriel Jesus could yet play for Brazil against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro next week
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz has insisted they are treating Jesus “carefully” and his hamstring was scanned on arrival this week.

Diniz called up 24 players for these two games, with the idea being that if Jesus couldn’t play it would not mean he was left light on numbers.

All other 23 members of Brazil’s squad flew to Colombia on Wednesday for the game, with Jesus’ Arsenal team-mates, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, both pushing to start.

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