Furious Brazil coach Tite has scotched rumours that Gabriel Jesus played when injured.
Arsenal's striker sustained a knee injury during the defeat to Cameroon last Friday that has not only ended his World Cup - but also put him out for up to three months. Reports in south America have suggested that the Gunners’ hit-man had reported a problem before going out to play.
But in an emotional address, the veteran head coach said: “I don’t like hearing lies out there - these are evil lies. They are put about by people who want to do bad things for other people. At no time do we play for victory by putting players in peril.
“My message is to these liars: Stop giving fake news.
“ Arsenal have a great medical department - we have a great medical department.
“We are ethical. We are very sorry for Gabriel. But this never happened.”
Tite’s assistant, former Brazil midfielder Cesar Sampaio, added: “I would like to repeat what Tite said: We will never put any player’s health at risk for any result.
“At no moment have we been made aware of any problem. It’s a risk we won’t take.”
Brazil are set to be boosted when they meet South Korea by the return of Neymar.
Neymar and defender Danilo both suffered ankle injuries in the Selecao’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia, which ruled them out of the 1-0 win over Switzerland.
The PSG superstar was then seen running before, during and after the game with Cameroon and returned to training with the team on Saturday.
“Regarding Neymar he’s going to practice this afternoon and if he is OK, he will play tomorrow," said Tite.
“I don’t share any information that is not true. My answer is he will practice this afternoon, if everything goes well, he will play.”
