Gabriel Magalhaes will join up with Arsenal teammates Gabriel Jesus and, rather surprisingly, Gabriel Martinelli at this year’s World Cup in Qatar. Brazilian coach Tite opted against the 23-year-old defender in favour of more experienced options but did, despite early leaks reporting the contrary, call in Martinelli to the group.
Gabriel Magalhaes has been an excellent performer for the Gunners this season. Arsenal have needed his goals and defensive contributions of him to see them top the EPL going into the final league game before the World Cup.
Martinelli spoke recently and summed up the thoughts of the Gunners' cohort of Brazilians: “We talk a lot about it and all of us want to be there on the list and play in the World Cup,” he said. “All we can do is work hard here at Arenal and try our best to be on the list.
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“It is announced on Monday - what else can you do? I need to wait, I cannot call the manager and ask so I will wait at home with my friend, and keep my fingers crossed.”
With what is sure to be a disappointment to the player, football.london takes a look at both the positives and negatives. With how Arsenal’s season is going, it is best to leave with optimism, so we begin with the potential drawbacks.
Negatives
First of all, it is worth noting that in Brazilian football culture the World Cup is the absolute pinnacle. Whilst there may be debates about whether a supporter would rather see their club win the Champions League or their country win the World Cup, there is little to no discussion for those from Brazil.
Therefore, for Gabriel, this will come as a big blow. The potential mental impact is sure to be of concern to Mikel Arteta who, along with his coaching staff and players, are sure to provide the utmost support to him.
With two games before the World Cup kicks off though there’s little time for the decision to marinade. Arsenal face Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday before playing Wolves at the weekend.
There will be the expectation that missing out on the squad will not impact his performance, but no one can ever guarantee that. Arteta will be the person best placed to make a decision on selection.
For Martinelli who now travels, there is little fear over potential injury or fatigue. Vinicius Junior is the established starter at left wing with Martinelli most likely making an impact from the bench if necessary.
Positives
The obvious one is Gabriel need not worry about any potential injury risk from the World Cup. It is an extra player not making the trip and instead he can enjoy some time off before the mid-season break begins a mini-preseason per se.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, Arsenal’s title rivals, will see many of their team head off for the winter tournament. In fact, all of the starting eleven from the 2-1 win over Fulham could indeed be off the winter tournament.
In contrast, from Arsenal’s team that beat Chelsea, seven are expected now to go, which would have been nine were Gabriel and Martinelli involved.
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