Brazil have suffered another blow following their disappointing 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the final game of their FIFA World Cup group stage campaign.
Vincent Aboubakar scored a stoppage-time winner to hand the Selecao their first defeat of the tournament, and while the South American giants progressed as group winners nonetheless, that match raised questions about the five-time World Cup champions.
And to make things worse, Tite has reportedly lost one attacker to injury after the one-nil loss. That man is none other than Gabriel Jesus.
According to recent reports, the Arsenal ace, who started ahead of first-choice striker Richarlison, picked up an injury to his right knee against the Indomitable Lions. While no official confirmation has been announced, the well-known Fabrizio Romano revealed that the tournament is over for the Premier League ace.
Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the World Cup, sources close to player and Brazil confirm. He has pain in his knee and won't be able to be back during the competition. #Qatar2022
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2022
Gabriel's expected to return in January with Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/TSZxO9X4dY
Globo report that the former Manchester City ace will be out for three to four weeks, meaning he will not be available even if the Selecao go all the way to the final. As a result, he might only return to action for his club Arsenal in January.
While Jesus isn't a popular player among the Brazil fan base due to his goalscoring drought, the 25-year-old remains one of their most talented forwards. Additionally, he is just another loss to Tite's attacking options, following in the footsteps of Neymar who was injured in the opening game — though the PSG sensation is expected to return for the knockout stage.
Additionally, Gabriel Jesus isn't the only Brazilian to be ruled out for the remainder of this competition. Alex Telles' time in Qatar is also over as the Manchester United defender left the pitch in tears with a more serious knee injury.
Globo claim that Telles, who is on loan at Sevilla, will require surgery and will have to depart the squad. Jesus, on the other hand, could remain with the camp due to the strong connection among the current squad.
The Selecao secured progression to the round of 16 as the Group G winners and will now face South Korea on Monday in the next round. Victory over the Asian giants would see them face Croatia or Japan in the quarterfinals.