Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has returned to full training and is in contention to start Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
Jesus has not played for four weeks after injuring his hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League on October 24.
He was called up by Brazil for this international break, but missed last week’s defeat by Colombia.
Jesus has taken part in full training for the past two days and could start Tuesday night’s clash with arch-rivals Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.
Fellow forward Vinicius Jr, of Real Madrid, faces two months out with a hamstring problem suffered against Colombia and Jesus has been tipped to take his place.
Brazil insist they have been careful with Jesus ever since he joined them on international duty and his hamstring was scanned on arrival.
The striker did not take part in full training last week and stayed at the team base instead of travelling to Colombia for the game on Thursday night.
Jesus used the time to work on his recovery, with Brazil always believing that Tuesday's game at home to Argentina was a more realistic target.
Brazil have made a poor start to 2026 World Cup qualifying and sit fifth in the South American standings after five games, with reigning champions Argentina five points ahead of them in first.
It is hoped that the return of Jesus can spark their attack into life, with Arsenal and Brazil team-mate Gabriel Martinelli hailing him as one of the best strikers in the world.
“He’s a guy I consider highly. He’s a brother to me, we’ve created a great friendship,” said Martinelli.
“He is one of the best centre-forwards in the world. I hope he also works very well here with the national team as he does at Arsenal, so that we can bring joy to the Brazilian fans.
“[Brazil interim head coach Fernando] Diniz makes us feel very calm about positioning. All you need to do is float a lot and be close to each other.
“It worked very well with Vini and everything will work out well with Jesus, we are used to playing together at Arsenal.”
