Takehiro Tomiyasu admitted he feels sorry for Gabriel Jesus, after learning of his teammate’s injury in a media interview.

Takehiro Tomiyasu learned of Gabriel Jesus’ injury setback whilst conducting an interview with the media, admitting he only watched the first half of the Brazil game.

“He has got injured?” Tomiyasu asked. “Oh, I didn’t know that, really? Because I only watched the first half [of Brazil vs Cameroon]. So he got injured in the second half? Is it bad?”

After being told that Jesus is set to miss the rest of the World Cup, Tomiyasu responded: “Where is it, in the knees? It’s a shame, because obviously to play in a 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.”

https://twitter.com/karthikadhaigal/status/1599692136425062406

Given Tomiyasu is currently taking part in a World Cup campaign of his own with Japan, as well as rehabilitating from a recurrent injury concern he’s been carrying since his last game with Arsenal, it makes sense he doesn’t have time to watch every World Cup match.

Tomiyasu’s own injury problems probably help him to sympathise with Jesus though, as he knows what it feels like to be there at the tournament and unable to help your team.

Fortunately, the defender is making his first start of the tournament against Croatia on Monday. He’s finally fit enough to make the lineup, after substitute appearances against Germany and Spain.

Tomiyasu will have to help Japan to victory if he wants to avoid the game becoming his last start at the event.