Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has admitted he can “improve” after being left out of the Brazil squad by national boss Tite.
The Selecao face Ghana and Tunisia this month in what is the five-time World Cup winner’s last fixtures before this winter’s showpiece in Qatar kicks off.
But Jesus, along with Arsenal team-mates Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, was axed from the 26-man squad which features 11 Premier League players.
Despite scoring four goals and providing three assists from seven Premier League games since signing for Arsenal from Manchester City for £45m this summer, the 25-year-old was left out by Tite.
Although Jesus has scored more goals than both Roberto Firmino (3) and Richarlison (2) so far this season, the pair were picked ahead of Arsenal’s marksman.
Gabriel Jesus reacts to being left out of Brazil squad
Jesus, who moved to the Premier League from Palmeiras five-and-a-half years ago, has vowed to win back his spot in the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup and become more clinical in front of goal.
“There was (contact), after the call-up, yes,’ he told ESPN Brasil. “I respect the coach’s decision a lot, I respect Tite, the entire staff.
“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.
“What is in my control is my performance. I will always try to give my best, finish the plays. Today I had some chances that I could also improve a little more, I know. I’ve been training, trying to do my best.”
Jesus has scored 19 goals in 56 caps for Brazil, but Arsenal’s number nine has found the net only once in his last 21 international appearances since scoring in the 2019 Copa America final.
Jesus started every game of Brazil’s run to the quarter-finals at the 2018 World Cup before being beaten 2-1 by Belgium.
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