In-form striker Firmino left out of Brazil’s World Cup 2022 squad

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, who scored eight goals and made four assists in 19 matches in all competitions this season, has not been included in Brazil’s World Cup squad with coach Tite opting for Gabriel Martinelli instead.

Arsenal’s Martinelli has been selected despite only playing three times for his country. The 21-year-old netted five times and registering two assists in 13 English Premier League games to help the Gunners to the top of the table.

There is also a place in Tite’s squad for veteran Dani Alves. The 39-year-old, currently playing for Mexican club UNAM Pumas, is Brazils’s most-capped player with 124 appearances.

Injured Aston Villa playmaker Philippe Coutinho is another notable absentee with Renan Lodi, Roger Ibanez and Matheus Cunda also joining Firmino in missing out on the final World Cup roster after being included in the most recent squad.

Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

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Defenders: Dani Alves (Pumas UNAM), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Attackers: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)