Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus speaks out on Brazil squad snub after scintillating start to 2022-23 season

• Jesus has been in great form
• Did not receive Brazil call-up recently
• Place at World Cup under threat

WHAT HAPPENED? Jesus has started the season strongly, registering four goals and three assists in his first seven games as a Gunner. However, despite his form, he was not included in Brazil's squad for upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia.

WHAT THEY SAID: Jesus has now insisted that he has no hard feelings towards Tite while vowing to keep trying to force his way into his plans.

"I respect the coach's decision a lot, I respect Tite, the entire staff, the entire commission. As I said, I'm Brazilian, I'll always root for the team. And I also respect the other players, who have a lot of quality. I'll keep doing my best to have the opportunity again," he told ESPN Brazil.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Jesus is one of a host of forward options that Brazil have at their disposal ahead of the World Cup. Richarlison, Roberto Firmino and Flamengo frontman Pedro - all of whom are capable of leading the line - were included in the squad over Jesus this time around.

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DID YOU KNOW? Jesus has been capped 56 times by Brazil, scoring 19 goals.

WHAT NEXT FOR JESUS? With no international football to distract him, the 25-year-old should be firing on all cylinders when Arsenal return to action in the North London derby on Saturday, October 1.