AFP, London :
Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus backed Brazilian international team-mate Neymar to make a full recovery in time to lead his country’s bid to win a sixth World Cup.
Neymar underwent surgery in Brazil last week to repair a broken bone in his foot just over three months from the tournament getting underway in Russia.
Jesus was Neymar’s strike partner as Brazil stormed through qualification once Tite took over as coach in June 2016.
But he too has had to bounce back from injury as he scored on his first start for over two months in City’s 2-1 Champions League defeat by Basel on Wednesday after recovering from knee ligament damage.
“Neymar sent me a message right after his injury,” said Jesus.
“I told him how I felt and how my recovery was. He is a fighter and everything is going to be fine.”
However, Jesus admitted he will take some time to get over the “fear” that a potential injury setback could cost him his place at the World Cup.
“When you are in the game, without wanting it, you end up thinking about the previous game where you got injured, you have a bit of fear.”
Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus backed Brazilian international team-mate Neymar to make a full recovery in time to lead his country’s bid to win a sixth World Cup.
Neymar underwent surgery in Brazil last week to repair a broken bone in his foot just over three months from the tournament getting underway in Russia.
Jesus was Neymar’s strike partner as Brazil stormed through qualification once Tite took over as coach in June 2016.
But he too has had to bounce back from injury as he scored on his first start for over two months in City’s 2-1 Champions League defeat by Basel on Wednesday after recovering from knee ligament damage.
“Neymar sent me a message right after his injury,” said Jesus.
“I told him how I felt and how my recovery was. He is a fighter and everything is going to be fine.”
However, Jesus admitted he will take some time to get over the “fear” that a potential injury setback could cost him his place at the World Cup.
“When you are in the game, without wanting it, you end up thinking about the previous game where you got injured, you have a bit of fear.”
