TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU looked open-mouthed with surprise and sympathy when he learned Arsenal pal Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup was over.
The Japan right-back reacted touchingly with a string of questions as he was told Brazil striker Jesus had suffered a serious knee injury.
Tomiyasu was preparing for Monday’s last-16 clash with Croatia, where he played the whole 120 minutes of a 1-1 draw before Japan exited 3-1 on penalties.
He was unaware Jesus could need surgery and sit out three months – rocking their club’s chances of retaining their lead in the Premier League.
When asked about the former Manchester City frontman. Tomiyasu replied: “I don’t know – he has got injured? Jesus? Oh, I didn’t know that.
“Really? Because I watched only the first half – and then he was injured in the second half?
“It’s bad. Where is this? Knees? Oh, it’s a shame because obviously to play in the World Cup is a big dream for us, for every football player.
“So I’m sorry for him but hopefully he will be back soon.”
Jesus sustained his nasty knock in last Friday’s 1-0 group loss to Cameroon.
But Brazil certainly didn’t miss him as they swept aside South Korea with a 4-1 blitz in the last 16 on Monday.
That included strikes from fellow forwards Vinicius Junior, Neymar with a penalty and Richarlison.
In contrast, Jesus’ absence might tempt Gunners‘ boss Mikel Arteta to widen his wishlist in the January transfer window.
So far Arteta has reportedly targeted a new midfield anchorman and a winger.
The Spaniard has also been linked with battling Tottenham for Ecuador’s Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
