Antony and Gabriel Martinelli Dropped From Brazil Squad to Face Argentina, Neymar Also Ruled Out
Brazil's world cup squad suffered a huge blow as superstar forwards Neymar, Antony, and Gabriel Martinelli were all ruled out of the upcoming international friendly against Argentina due to injuries.
According to a statement released by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Neymar sustained an adductor muscle injury during Paris Saint-Germain's recent match against Lille, while Antony picked up a knock in Manchester United's clash with Arsenal.
Martinelli, meanwhile, has been struggling with a knee problem since Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States and is still not fit enough to join up with the national team.
The news of Neymar's injury is a particularly big blow for Brazil, as the PSG forward is the team's talisman and captain. He has been in excellent form for his club this season, scoring 13 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions.
Antony and Martinelli have also been in impressive form for their respective clubs and were expected to play key roles for Brazil in the upcoming friendly. However, their injuries will now force Tite to reshuffle his squad and find replacements for the trio.
Brazil will face Argentina in a friendly match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 16 November. The match will be a rematch of the 2021 Copa America final, which Argentina won 1-0.
Brazil will be hoping to avenge that defeat and get one over on their arch-rivals. However, they will have to do so without some of their key players.
Here is the updated Brazil squad for the friendly against Argentina:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
- Defenders: Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
- Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
- Forwards: Firmino (Liverpool), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)