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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

Gabriel Martinelli's Brazil World Cup call-up slammed as 'next Neymar' snubbed for Arsenal star

Former Brazil star Neto has labelled the inclusion of Gabriel Martinelli in his nation's World Cup squad as a 'joke'. Selecao boss Tite named his 26-man roster for the upcoming tournament in Qatar earlier this week, with Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus among those also selected.

Martinelli made his debut for his country earlier this year, featuring just three times for Brazil. The 21-year-old has never started a competitive fixture for his nation and he's yet to score or assist.

He didn't appear in either of Brazil's final pair of friendlies ahead of the World Cup either. Speaking on Os Donos da Bola, Neto lashed out at Tite's decision, claiming that Martinelli has not done enough to warrant a place in the squad and omit Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

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