Fear of recurring injury haunts Jesus

The Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus says that he is still playing with the fear of hurting himself again, having scored his first goal of 2018 in the 2-1 defeat by Basel on Wednesday on the comeback from his second major injury at the club.

The Brazilian is five games into a return from a medial ligament problem in his knee that he sustained on New Year’s Eve against Crystal Palace and the Champions League goal was his first for the club in 14 games, going back to Nov 18. He broke a metatarsal in his right foot in February of last year and admits that the prospect of another injury is always on his mind.

“When you [are] playing in a game, without wanting to, you end up thinking about the previous game where you got injured,” Jesus said. “You have a bit of fear. But, as you are playing more and more, you are going to lose that fear and play your football. I think [against Basel] I still played with some fear. I’m sure that the more you play, the more chance that fear is going to go away.

“Having been out two months, I think physically I’m in good shape and tactically, as well. I’m a bit sad about the result [on Wednesday], that’s not what we wanted, but I’m happy for having got through to the next round.”

The 20-year-old has competition for a place in the Brazil side from Roberto Firmino. “He [Firmino] is a good friend so if he’s having a big season, then I’m happy,” Jesus said.