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The 2022 World Cup is only a few weeks away, with one of the favorites, Brazil, naming their squad on Monday.
On Monday, Brazil manager Tite announced his 26-man World Cup squad, which included two of Arsenal’s three Brazilians as well as Tottenham’s Richarlison. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were both chosen, but their club teammate Gabriel Magalhaes was not.
Gabriel has partnered the imperious William Saliba in Arsenal’s surge to the top of the Premier League table, while Martinelli and Jesus form half of the Gunners’ superb forward line alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Despite their club form though, they were snubbed in September’s international break which introduced doubts about which of them, if any, would be heading to Qatar in November.
Many of the players chosen for Brazil have posted their reactions to being named, with Richarlison and Manchester United winger Antony among those who recorded their family celebrations.
In contrast, Jesus and Martinelli kept things simple, with the latter posting a photo of him in action for Brazil and Jesus sharing a brief promotional video of his previous appearances in the famous yellow jersey.
Nunca desista dos seus sonhos. Um momento de orgulho para mim e minha família, pois tenho a chance de representar meu país em uma Copa do Mundo. CATAR 2022!! @CBF_Futebol pic.twitter.com/uwA3YXQBgM
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) November 7, 2022
Inexplicável… 🇧🇷💭#alômãe#gratidão#rumoaohexa pic.twitter.com/X0h3BCRuXP
— Gabriel Jesus (@gabrieljesus9) November 7, 2022
Jesus has made over 50 senior appearances for his country, so his inclusion, despite his current mini-goal drought, was not surprising, but the selection of Martinelli appears to have raised a few eyebrows, particularly those of star man Neymar.
While listening to the squad announcement, the Paris Saint-Germain forward smiled when Jesus was mentioned, but then raised his eyebrows, seemingly surprised, when Martinelli’s name was mentioned.
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His emotions quickly change as he is the next player to be confirmed, and while there is likely nothing to it, the 30-year-old could be concerned about his tournament minutes, with in-form Martinelli occupying a very similar position.
Following the squad announcement, Brazil boss Tite praised Martinelli, citing his ‘aggressiveness’ as one of the many qualities that led to his inclusion.
