Arsenal trio Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and have all been left out of Brazil’s latest squad for their upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia this month.
All three Arsenal players were part of Brazil’s squad in June for their friendlies against South Korea and Japan, although Gabriel Magalhaes did not feature in either game due to a thigh injury and is still yet to receive his first senior cap.
Jesus and Martinelli have both made excellent starts to the new Premier League season and have played a key role in Mikel Arteta’s side winning five out of their six games so far.
But they will play no part in Brazil’s matches against Ghana and Tunisia during the upcoming international break.
When asked about Jesus’ absence from the squad, Brazil head coach Tite suggested that the decision allowed him to take a closer look at other players.
‘Gabriel Jesus, specifically, is having a great time and in contention. Absolutely, yes,’ Tite said.
‘These call-ups serve as opportunities for others. As well as others in this same context. Regarding the number of attackers. is creation and scoring, and defensive solidity. If you run away from these characteristics, you will lose.
‘This balance point is very difficult in a team and we are looking for it. This number of attackers will not be determined. Athletes’ versatility is an important part.’
BRAZIL'S SQUAD FOR SEPTEMBER INTERNATIONAL BREAK
GOALKEEPERS
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
DEFENDERS
Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Danilo (Juventus), Bremer (Juventus) Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Ibanez (Roma) Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
MIDFIELDERS
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
ATTACKERS
Antony (Manchester United), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid), Neymar (PSG), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
Flamengo striker Pedro, who is this season’s Copa Libertadores top scorer with 12 goals, has been included in the squad, while Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Roma’s Roger Ibanez are in for the first time.
Dani Alves, who has been suffering from gastroenteritis, and Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho have both missed out.
For their World Cup campaign in Qatar, which starts in November, Brazil are in Group G alongside Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
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