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TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU looked open-mouthed with surprise and sympathy when he learned Arsenal pal Gabriel Jesus' World Cup was over.

The Japan right-back reacted touchingly with a string of questions as he was told Brazil striker Jesus had suffered a serious knee injury.

Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu hears about Gabriel Jesus's injury
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Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu hears about Gabriel Jesus's injury
Gabriel Jesus' World Cup ended last Friday when he was hurt vs Cameroon
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Gabriel Jesus' World Cup ended last Friday when he was hurt vs CameroonCredit: Rex
Takehiro Tomiyasu was upset for Jesus but then gutted as Japan exited the World Cup on penalties against Croatia on Monday
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Takehiro Tomiyasu was upset for Jesus but then gutted as Japan exited the World Cup on penalties against Croatia on MondayCredit: Alamy

Tomiyasu was preparing for Monday's last-16 clash with Croatia, where he played the whole 120 minutes of a 1-1 draw before Japan exited 3-1 on penalties.

He was unaware Jesus could need surgery and sit out three months - rocking their club's chances of retaining their lead in the Premier League. 

When asked about the former Manchester City frontman. Tomiyasu replied: "I don't know - he has got injured? Jesus? Oh, I didn't know that.

"Really? Because I watched only the first half - and then he was injured in the second half?

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"It's bad. Where is this? Knees? Oh, it's a shame because obviously to play in the World Cup is a big dream for us, for every football player.

"So I'm sorry for him but hopefully he will be back soon."

Jesus sustained his nasty knock in last Friday's 1-0 group loss to Cameroon.

But Brazil certainly didn't miss him as they swept aside South Korea with a 4-1 blitz in the last 16 on Monday.

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That included strikes from fellow forwards Vinicius Junior, Neymar with a penalty and Richarlison.

In contrast, Jesus' absence might tempt Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta to widen his wishlist in the January transfer window.

So far Arteta has reportedly targeted a new midfield anchorman and a winger.

The Spaniard has also been linked with battling Tottenham for Ecuador's Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

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