Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been sensational for Arsenal in the Premier League this season. Their crucial impact has played a major part in helping the Gunners lead the league table going into the World Cup break.
It was their performances for Arsenal that saw them called up to represent Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar. Both stars were not guaranteed inclusions in Tite’s 26-man list going into the November announcement.
Jesus and Martinelli started on the bench for Brazil’s first World Cup match against Serbia, as Brazil are equipped with a host of talent. But, either or two could be in line to start in their nation’s second group stage match.
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It was confirmed that Neymar will miss Brazil’s second group stage match against Switzerland after he suffered an ankle injury against Serbia. The forward was substituted late into the second half.
Martinelli and Jesus were used as second-half substitutes in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia, which highlights that they are a part of Tite’s plans. And Neymar’s injury means that there is space in the attack for a replacement
Martinelli has already been tipped to be Neymar’s replacement in the future by Chelsea legend Joe Cole. In a YouTube video with fellow pundit Peter Crouch, Cole spoke about Martinelli’s inclusion in Tite’s plans for the tournament in Qatar.
Cole said: “Playing for Brazil is the one. To get a cap for Brazil, especially as a forward, you know straight away, you’re one of the elite players in the world.
"The only one which was a surprise for me – not a (huge) surprise cos I love him, is Martinelli," he added.
“I think that one there, they’re bringing him, but especially because they’ve got eight other forwards, I don’t think he’ll play much but the next tournament, he could be the star. Neymar’s getting on a bit.”
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