Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli part of Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad, Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino omitted

News Desk
Arsenal stars with Mari

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has been called up to play for Brazil at the World Cup but Roberto Firmino has been left out of Tite’s 26-man squad.

Brazil head coach Tite had plenty of attacking options at his disposal for the tournament meaning 31-year-old Firmino, who has not featured for his country since the Copa America final last summer, missed out.

Jesus’ place was in question following a nine-game goalless run for the Gunners, while team-mate Martinelli has been rewarded for his fine form with Arsenal having notched five goals and two assists already this season.

It was initially claimed by UOL Esporte journalist Bruno Andrade on Monday morning that Firmino would be included ahead of Martinelli. 

Another Gunner has missed out, though, with defender Gabriel overlooked in an attacking squad named by Tite.

Manchester United’s Antony and Tottenham’s Richarlison are among the forwards, with Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Rodrygo also part of the enviable options at the head coach’s disposal.

United midfielders Casemiro and Fred will be hoping to earn starting roles, with competition from Liverpool’s Fabinho, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta.

Defensively could be where Brazil’s weaknesses lie, with 39-year-old former Barcelona full-back Dani Alves included alongside Chelsea’s 38-year-old Thiago Silva.

Liverpool’s Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson will battle it out to be number one.

Antony reacted to his inclusion on Twitter, posting a video of him celebrating with his family alongside the caption: “For you!!! Thank you, God!! Thank you everyone… friends, family, mom, dad, brothers!! Love you!!! Too much emotion!!”

Brazil’s 26-man squad is as follows.

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton.

Defenders: Dani Alves, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Bremer, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva.

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta.

Attackers: Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Pedro, Raphinha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.

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