Mikel Arteta has reacted to the fact that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the next World Cup.
Brazil announced their squad for the 2022 World Cup earlier this week, but Gabriel didn’t make the cut. This despite the fact that the Brazilian defender was impressive for Arsenal in the 22/23 season.
Gabriel has been a fixture in Arsenal’s defense this season and has appeared in 18 games for the Gunners. In the 22/23 season, he has made 13 appearances in the Premier League, where Arsenal are at the top of the points table.
Arsenal have conceded just 11 Premier League goals so far this season, and Gabriel’s association as a central defender with William Saliba has been one of the key reasons for that.
Mikel Arteta reacts to the omission of Gabriel Magalhaes from the Brazil World Cup squad
However, Gabriel was not named in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup. Reacting to Gabriel missing the cut, Arteta admitted he is a disappointment for the Arsenal defender.
However, he has urged Gabriel to use Brazil’s omission from the World Cup squad as motivation to improve and be ready for the next tournament.
“For Gabi it’s a disappointment, but when you look at the roster they have and the experience they have at that position, you have to understand that and it’s another challenge for him,” Arteta said.
“He needs to be ready for the next one, he needs to get better and continue the good things he’s been doing.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel’s teammates at Arsenal and his compatriots Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were named in the squad for the World Cup.
Both Jesús and Martinelli have been impressive for Arsenal, who have had a great run so far in the 22/23 season.
Brazil is placed in Group G at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Joining them in Group G are Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. They will kick off their 2022 World Cup campaign by taking on Serbia in their first match of the group stage. That match kicks off at 12:30am Indian Standard Time on November 25.
Brazil will then face Switzerland in their second match of the group stage. That match kicks off at 9:30 pm Indian Standard Time on November 28.
They will then conclude their group stage matches against Cameroon. The match between Brazil and Cameroon kicks off at 12:30 am Indian Standard Time on December 3.
