NO WORRIES

GABRIEL Jesus says he holds no grudge against City team-mate Nicolas Otamendi after a clash between the two left the Brazilian with a fractured eye socket.

The young Blues striker had to be stretchered off after suffering the injury while playing for his country against Otamendi’s Argentina in a friendly in Melbourne on Friday.

He faces the prospect of surgery after the pair contested a header and Otamendi’s arm struck Jesus’ face in an innocuous-looking clash.

Jesus - who missed a large spell of last season with a broken metatarsal says he does not blame his clubmate.

“There was no bad intention. It was a very normal challenge, it was not deliberate,” he said. “His arm came down in a normal way and unfortunately I was on my way up. We were shocked. But there were no bad intentions on his part.

“We talked afterwards in the dressing room and he sent me a message. He is a good guy.

“These things are part of the game and he did not do anything bad.”

The 20-year-old has been ruled out Brazil’s friendly against Australia today and faces surgery before his return to City after the close season.

“It is nothing to worry about,” he added. “If I have to undergo surgery, then so be it. After my holiday, I will return to Manchester at 100 per cent.”