Brazil have not selected Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, or Gabriel Magalhaes for upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia. The matches, which are scheduled for the end of September, represent head coach Tite’s final opportunity to vet candidates for his World Cup squad, so their exclusion has raised eyebrows.
Tite visited Emirates Stadium in August to watch the Gunners’ Brazilian contingent play Fulham, and it’s possible that he used the trip to London to communicate his plans, either directly or through his close friend and former colleague Edu.
Given Arsenal’s hectic schedule in October, the fact that the trio will be staying in London to rest is definitely a good thing for the Gunners faithful. A newcomer to the Brazil senior team, Martinelli has appeared as a substitute in three of their last four games after impressing with the under-23s at the Olympics.
Since 2016, Jesus has received 56 caps for the Seleçao. In June, he broke a nine-game international goal drought by scoring in a 5-1 win over South Korea. He’s considered a sure short to board the plane to Qatar.
“Gabriel Jesus, specifically, is having a great time and in contention. Absolutely, yes,”
explained Tite when announcing the squad.
Meanwhile, Tite has included Flamengo striker Pedro, who leads the Copa Libertadores with 12 goals this season, as a new attacking option for Brazil in place of Jesus. Brazil will also try out two new defenders for the first time, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Roma’s Roger Ibaez, leaving no room for Jesus.
Magalhaes, in turn, has yet to make his Brazil debut despite being named to squads for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay.
Other notable absences from Brazil’s final friendlies squad before the World Cup include defender Dani Alves and midfielder Philippe Coutinho, while Martinelli, who has three goals this season, is also staying at home.
Alisson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino of Liverpool have all been named, as have Casemiro and Fred of Manchester United.
There are also spots for United’s 85 million pounds signing Antony and West Ham’s club-record signing Lucas Paqueta. Chelsea’s Thiago Silva of Chelsea, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimares, and Tottenham’s Richarlison are also included.
