Gabriel Martinelli has made it into Brazil’s World Cup squad, however, there are no places for Roberto Firmino or Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhaes.
It was reported that Liverpool star Firmino would be selected ahead of Martinelli, however, it’s been announced that manager Tite has picked the Gunners forward instead.
Gabriel Jesus also joins Martinelli in the squad, with Manchester United quad Casemiro, Antony, Fred and Alex Telles also in. Liverpool duo Alisson and Fabinho are also included.
Other Premier League players part of the 26-man squad are Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Tottenham forward Richarlison, West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes and Chelsea defender Thiago Silva.
Neymar is unsurprisingly included in the squad, while veteran defender Dani Alves also makes it.
Other notable names in Tite’s squad include Real Madrid trio Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao as well as Barcelona forward and former Leeds star Raphinha.
Martinelli has enjoyed a fine start to the season, firing in five Premier League goals so far for table-toppers Arsenal.
Many will feel his call-up his deserved, however, his progress in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable.
When the Selecao won the Copa America in 2019, Martinelli was playing for Ituano in the Brazilian fourth tier.
But it seems Martinelli’s dad was never in doubt that his son would be representing his country in Qatar.
Martinelli said in June: “I am trying everything to go to the World Cup. When I was 7 my dad told me that when I am 21, there will be a World Cup and you’re going to be playing.”
