Brazil have confirmed their 26-man squad to take to the World Cup in Qatar ahead of the tournament starting in a fortnight – and it is good news for Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli, but not so much for Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino.
The competition kicks off on November 20 as host nation Qatar face Ecuador on November 20. Less than two weeks to go, in what is the first of its kind – a winter World Cup. Tite has had some big decisions to make regarding personnel.
From a Premier League point of view, Ederson and Alisson make up two of the three goalkeepers picked. The Liverpool and Manchester City stars are two of the world’s best but find themselves competing to start between the sticks.
Elsewhere, Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva is called-up, as is Manchester United’s Alex Telles. Liverpool do have another representative in the Brazil squad in the form of Fabinho. Newcastle’s in-form star Bruno Guimaraes is also included.
West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and Manchester United’s Casemiro make up the midfielders. In attack, Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli are in. Manchester United’s Antony, and Tottenham’s Richarlison, too. But no room for Firmino.
Brazil confirm World Cup squad: Good news for Arsenal star Martinelli
A real shame for Firmino and certainly, harsh on the attacker – who has been in excellent form. Firmino will have been looking at this winter’s World Cup as probably the last chance he would get to play in a World Cup.
But his eight goals and four assists in 19 appearances for Liverpool this season has not proven to be enough. Instead, Brazil have gone for a more youthful approach up top; Martinelli, Raphinha, Vinicius, Rodrygo and of course, Neymar.
Of course, Richarlison remains injured at Tottenham and it might be that before the tournament starts, if he is unable to return – or there is a new injury – Tite could turn to Firmino.
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