BOOST FOR ARSENAL AS TRIO LEFT OUT OF BRAZIL SQUAD

MIKEL ARTETA will have the opportunity to let his Brazilian stars recharge their batteries during this month’s international break after none of them were called up for friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia. Manager Tite named his squad yesterday for the games that will be played in France, including 11 players from Premier League clubs.

But there were none from early leaders Arsenal and no call-up for Gabriel Jesus (right), despite the striker’s brilliant form for his new club after a £47million move from Manchester City. Winger Gabriel Martinelli and centre back Gabriel Magalhaes also miss out. Gunners boss Arteta will not want his players to suffer the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, but will be delighted to give them a rest during what promises to be a hectic campaign. if fit, Jesus and Magalhaes are still expected to be included in Tite’s squad for the World Cup in November.

‘This squad is to give opportunities to others to show themselves,’ said the Brazil boss when asked specifically about Jesus.

‘He is competing for a spot and he is in a big moment.’ Martinelli’s omission is not seen as such a positive development for his World Cup hopes though because of the strength of competition in his position. Philippe Coutinho, of Aston Villa, also misses out. ‘Coutinho is an extraordinary player, Gabriel Jesus too,’ said Tite. ‘We are talking about David Neres and Martinelli. it’s very difficult.’

Liverpool trio Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino are called up. So are Fred, Antony and Casemiro of Manchester United, Richarlison of Tottenham, Lucas Paqueta of West Ham, Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle, Ederson of Manchester City and Thiago Silva of Chelsea.

Brazil will take on Ghana in Le Havre on September 23 and Tunisia at the Parc de Princes in Paris four days later. These are their final warm-up fixtures before the World Cup in Qatar.