The Brazil squad selections are good and bad news for Arsenal’s title aspirations

Brazil are one of the first nations to confirm their 26-man squad for the World Cup, with two Gunners selected.

Mikel Arteta might have had hopes that Martinelli and Jesus were going to get a much-needed rest in the next month, based on neither being called up by their country during September’s International break.

Both though fit the criteria of attackers that Tite seems to prefer, versatile forwards who can play any role up front.

Despite his goal drought, Jesus has been a huge part in changing the mentality in the dressing room, often leading by example with his constant energy.

Many pundits and ex-players in his homeland predicted a move to North London would hinder his chances of going to the World Cup, but in fact they have been enhanced.

If given the opportunity, this could be the tournament where Martinelli grabs the attention off the world stage.

Such are the Brazilian team’s options, neither are guaranteed to start in Qatar, so their club manager might see them get some kind of rest.

Where the Spaniard has to find the balance in training is while celebrating the milestone of two of his youngsters, he has to put an arm round the shoulder of his other Gabriel, with the defender not on the plane.

The centre back, having started every League game this season will feel he has contributed just as much as anyone to Arsenal being top of the Prem.

His performance at Chelsea though was not enough to make up for too many individual errors (home to Fulham, high line at Old Trafford, potential handball against Liverpool, conceding a pen in the NLD, kicking out at Leeds).

In knockout football that can be the difference between elimination or not.

Given who he was competing with, I can get his omission and long term it might help the 24-year-olds development.

It means after this weekend he won’t play till Boxing Day.

His boss will be secretly delighted.

Brazil start as favourites to lift the Holy Grail.

An appearance in the Final would give two of our three strikers less than a week to recover for the relaunch of the Prem.

On behalf of everyone at JustArsenal though – good luck to Jesus and Martinelli.

Dan

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13 Comments

  1. The worry is injury and biggest worry is Partey..
    We know how injury prone he is…
    I hope he avoids any injury..
    Ghana may not reach much in competition but hopefully Partey avoids injury..
    He is instrumental for us and we need him fresh from boxing day

  2. Martinelli must be very happy and his call-up is well-deserved, but he will have more power over his contract negotiation

    Magalhaes’ exclusion was surprising, because he made us lead EPL and scored two league goals. Hopefully it will make him more determined to prove Tite wrong

    1. Tite seems to be inclined toward Juventus, despite their poor league form most of the players got selected. It’s seems team selection has been done quite haphazardly. And it’s surprising to see them label as favorite. A team with players like Fred, Casemiro, Guimares, paqueta , Danilo, Alves getting starting berth doesn’t seem world beaters. So I guess, this world cup is coming with lot more surprises than expected.

      1. Maybe those players always played well for Tite, hence the selection

        I’m also surprised by their status as the favorite. I think Magalhaes can be a very important part for Brazil in World Cup because of his forward passes and defending abilities, but I’m glad he will focus on Arsenal now

  3. Barring any injuries I would imagine going to the WC and having a 6week break from the PL will do some of our players the world of good ,keeps them competitive and upto speed .
    Some of these players might not even see game time or might have the odd sub appearance.
    Also gives us time to get back any injured players before we keep off again .

    1. Yes, it is very much a matter of perspective.
      On the positive side, you can also add, it is a confidence booster to be selected.
      And if young players see, they can develop to be national team players, when playing for Arsenal, it adds to our ability to attract talent in the future.
      I see only 2 drawbacks:
      1) Players playing many games for teams reaching the final stages of the World Cup, could come back mentally and physically tired.

      2) The added risk of injuries. But players training hard at home in the cold are also at risk, so the added risk may be rather small

      1. Yea ,some players love playing for their country also ,imagine say Martinelli having a good WC and what that will do for his confidence when he comes back .
        I’m not a fan of internationals but each to their own but I might tune in later on if some of our players are doing well .

        1. Apparently we are playing two friendlies while we are in Dubai. AC Milan and Lyon are reportedly the teams we’re playing against.

  4. Just look at how Saka has developed and how much he has learnt from penalty miss in the final for England. For me the experience these guys get at playing international football is invaluable

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