Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli headline a list of talented players absent from the Brazil squad for a couple of upcoming friendlies.
Brazil, one of the favorites for the World Cup title, has two matches scheduled later this month. The South American giants will face Ghana on September 23 and Tunisia four days later. Both matches will be played in France.
Jesus, one of the best Premier League players in this young EPL season, is a revelation for Arsenal. The striker now has three goals and three assists in just six league games since his arrival in North London. While he should be expected to travel to the World Cup, it’s interesting that his name isn’t called for both games. The striker would likely want the chance to prove himself with the national team, as he faces early competition from the likes of Neymar, Richarlison and Roberto Firmino.
Like Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli is off to a good start to the Premier League campaign. The speedy winger is level with Jesús and midfielder Martin Ødegaard for the most team goals. Martinelli’s exclusion from the full-back could be cause for concern. Brazil have a host of talented wingers who are likely to start with the Arsenal man.
The same goes for Gabriel Magalhaes, the central defender. He and Martinelli both started all six Premier League matches but face strong opposition in qualifying for Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Martinelli has also been a bright spot for the Gunners this season. The speedy winger is tied with Jesus and Martin Odegaard for the most goals in the Arsenal squad. Magalhaes, a centre-back, has also started all six matches for the Premier League leaders.
Along with Arsenal trio, Aston Villa’s Coutinho, Liverpool’s new signing Arthur and Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa will also miss out on selection.
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– GTV SPORTS+ (@mygtvsports) September 9, 2022
Call of Brazil for next friendlies
The pair of friendlies are played in the aforementioned five-day period. Both games are in France.
goalkeepers
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
full backs
Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla)
central defenders
Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Éder Militao (Real Madrid), Ibáñez (Roma), Bremer (Juventus)
midfielders
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Fabinho (Liverpool)
attackers
Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Antony (Manchester United), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Matheus Cunha (Atlético de Madrid), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo ( Real Madrid)
PHOTO: Imago
