Brazil boss risks wrath of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with team selection for chaotic Argentina clash
BRAZIL boss Fernando Daniz has risked the wrath of Mikel Arteta.
It comes after the South American nation’s interim boss played Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus despite him not being ready to start according to Gunners medical staff.
Jesus, 26, was struggling for fitness with a hamstring issue ahead of the international break and last featured for the Gunners on October 24.
Arsenal had told Brazil in no uncertain terms that the forward was not fit enough to start in their view, insisting he continue his recovery in north London.
However, Fifa rules dictate a national team can still can up a player regardless of what the club’s medical team says.
And that is exactly what Brazil did with Daniz – who is the also the manager Fluminense – naming Jesus in his squad to face Colombia and Argentina.
Arteta got his wish with Jesus not featuring in the 2-1 defeat to Colombia.
But his hopes on him not playing were later dashed when Argentina came to town.
Three Gunners’ stars played in the match with Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli both starring alongside him.
But only Jesus was kept on the pitch for the full match.
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Fortunately, all three stars appear to have emerged from the game injury-free ahead of the pivotal and brutal Christmas period.
Brazil suffered their first-ever home defeat in World Cup qualifiers in the 1-0 defeat that was marred by crowd trouble before the game.
Arsenal face Brentford in their next clash, but it remains to be seen whether Jesus will be thrown back into the fold following his Brazil outing.
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