Arsenal’s three Gabriels left off Brazil squad ahead of friendlies

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gabriel Martinelli lead a list of talented players absent from Brazil’s squad for an upcoming pair of friendlies.

Brazil, one of the favorites for the World Cup title, have two scheduled games later this month. The South American giants will face Ghana on September 23rd and Tunisia four days later.  Both games are set to be played in France.

Jesus, one of the Premier League’s top performers in this young EPL season, is a revelation for Arsenal. The striker already has three goals and three assists in just six league starts since his arrival to north London. While he should be expected to travel to the World Cup, it is interesting to not see his name called for the two games. The forward likely wanted a chance to prove himself with the national side as he faces starting competition from players like Neymar, Richarlison and Roberto Firmino.

Like Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli is off to a strong start in the Premier League campaign. The pacy winger is level with Jesus and midfielder Martin Ødegaard for most goals on the team. Martinelli’s exclusion from the side could be a concern. Brazil has a plethora of talented wingers that likely start over the Arsenal man.

Same goes for Gabriel Magalhaes, the central defender. Both he and Martinelli started all six games in Premier League play, but face strong opposition to qualify for Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Martinelli has also been a bright spot for the Gunners during the current campaign.  The pacy winger is tied with Jesus and Martin Odegaard for most goals in the Arsenal team.  Magalhaes, a central defender, has started all six games for the Premier League leaders as well.

Along with the Arsenal trio, Aston Villa’s Coutinho, Liverpool’s new signing Arthur, and Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa also miss out on selection.

Brazil have named their squad ahead of their game against Ghana

An epic squad it’s #GTVSports pic.twitter.com/UznHCx9836

— GTV SPORTS+ (@mygtvsports) September 9, 2022

Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies

The pair of friendlies take place in the aforementioned five-day span. 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), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Ibanez (Roma), Bremer (Juventus)

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Fabinho (Liverpool)

Attackers

Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Antony (Manchester United), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

PHOTO: Imago