Blues’ Brazilian trio called up for Selecao’s friendlies

STAR striker Gabriel Jesus is one of three City players who have been called up to the Brazilian national team for two friendlies in the March international break.

Jesus’ inclusion is somewhat of a surprise as the 21-year-old hasn’t played since the FA Cup victory over Newport County on February 16 after picking up a hamstring injury.

His inclusion in the Selecao may indicate that he is close to returning to fitness and could be back for City soon after missing the last three games, including the Carabao Cup final.

If Jesus goes on to pull out of the squad in the weeks before the international break, then it’ll be clear he still hasn’t recovered.

He has been joined in the national squad by his team-mates Ederson and Danilo. Thankfully the trio won’t have too far to travel for the fixtures as Brazil will play Panama in Porto, Portugal, on March 23, before travelling to Prague to face the Czech Republic on March 26.

The two games will be the last for Brazil before the 2019 Copa America in the summer and will be an opportunity for City’s stars to earn a place in the squad for the tournament.

Another injured Brazilian at City is midfield stalwart Fernandinho who, even if he was fit, probably wouldn’t have been selected.

The 34-year-old turned down a call-up following the 2018 World Cup after abuse he received from fans after scoring an own goal in the 2-1 defeat to Belgium in Russia.