Gabriel Jesus has received a late call-up for the Brazilian national team following their decision to withdraw Antony’s call-up.

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been working on getting back to full fitness in recent weeks, and perhaps that played a part in his initial non-selection by the Brazilian national team for the September break.

But after news broke involving allegations of domestic abuse by Manchester United’s Antony on Monday, Brazil decided to withdraw their invitation to the winger, handing it to Jesus instead.

Jesus had already been selected on Brazil coach Fernando Diniz’s longlist of 36 players, but he’ll now step up to the main squad.

Jesus will join Arsenal teammates Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes with Brazil over the break, with both players making the initial list of 23.

Brazil are set to face Bolivia at home on Saturday, September 9th at 01:45 BST, and Peru away on Wednesday, September 13th at 03:00 BST.

The games are the first World Cup qualifiers for 2026, with the long qualification campaign running from September 2023 to September 2025.

It’s hard to say how Jesus figures in Diniz’s thinking, with the new head coach yet to manage a game for the national side.

This is his first squad selection, and the inclusion of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli is certainly a positive sign for those two.

As for Jesus, we’ll have to wait and see whether his initial non-inclusion was to do with his injury or simply a sign that he isn’t considered among the first 23.

But the good news is the 26-year-old now has a chance to show the new manager what he can do and earn his long-term spot in the squad.