Arsenal star Gabriel ‘out of the equation’ to make Brazil’s World Cup squad

Follow us on Google Discover

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is reportedly set to miss out on a spot for Brazil’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, with the centre-back not even in consideration for a place in Tite’s side.

According to UOL, the 24-year-old defender is ‘out of the equation’ to make up one of the last two spots in the Brazil squad ahead of this week’s full announcement, even with Gabriel making 17 starts for Arsenal this season as the Gunners sit top of the Premier League and progressed with ease through their UEFA Europa League group.

The match-winner on Sunday against Chelsea, Gabriel’s performances have been crucial to Arsenal this campaign as Mikel Arteta’s side enjoy their best-ever start to a league season in well over a century. However, the defender’s performances have failed to impress Tite, who is not even considering the Premier League star.

With Thiago Silva still impressing despite his veteran age and PSG star Marquinhos enjoying some strong form this season, Brazil’s centre-back options are one of the best in international football this year, with the Selecao one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar.

However, Arsenal’s Gabriel should feel hard-done-by given his form this season, with the defender more than capable of representing Brazil at the World Cup this month ahead of other players set to be called up by Tite, such as 39-year-old Dani Alves.

Indeed, whilst many Arsenal fans will be pleased to see a key player rested over the World Cup break, missing out on the competition for Gabriel will sting greatly, especially if Brazil go all the way and win the tournament in the Middle East.

Gabriel will be heartbroken if Brazil win the World Cup

This season’s irregularities means that fewer players at the World Cup for a certain club might mean better results given the placement of the competition. Yet for Gabriel, watching his nation win the tournament knowing he had a shot of making the squad will be heartbreaking.

After all, the defender has done everything he could do to show case his skills to Tite to make the squad. However, given his lack of international experience, the Arsenal star is not even in the final consideration to make the team that will travel to Qatar, who could go all the way.