Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has also withdrawn from the national team with an injury, following William Saliba's withdrawal from France duty. As reported by Fabrizio Romano on Instagram, Gabriel is out of the Brazil squad due to knee pain.
Brazil have confirmed that the Gunners defender won't be a part of their squad against France and Croatia. He complained about pain in his right knee and will now stay in north London during the international break. Romano posted on Instagram:
"🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Gabriel Magalhães will be 𝐎𝐔𝐓 of Brazil squad due to 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐊𝐍𝐄𝐄 🤕⛔️"
"Gabriel complained of pain in his right knee and will be out against France and Croatia, Brazil have confirmed."
Gabriel's defensive partner, Saliba, also withdrew from the France squad, citing a need for a 10-day rest period to treat an ankle injury. Les Bleus initially called him up for their friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.
However, the Frenchman did not join the camp, claiming he needed a 10-day rest to recover from a recurring ankle injury in his left leg. Saliba and Gabriel both staying at Arsenal during the international break would be a major boost for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta's side are fighting for three trophies this season following their 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the League Cup final. Saliba and Gabriel are instrumental in Arteta's system not only defensively but also going forward, particularly from set-piece situations.
Arsenal's strong form across competitions can be largely attributed to their defensive solidity. Saliba and Gabriel are arguably the best centre-back pair in world football right now, having featured 147 times together till date.
Jamie Redknapp believes Bukayo Saka needs to have a change in position following Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Arsenal should look to use Bukayo Saka in a different position. The 24-year-old struggled to make a mark as the Gunners lost 2-0 against Manchester City in the League Cup final on Sunday, March 22.
Redknapp has claimed that Saka looks ineffective on the right flank and Mikel Arteta needs to use him differently. He has also claimed that Arteta should use Noni Madueke and Max Dowman on the right wing ahead of Saka. He said:
"This is where you need your star players to step up. The player that I feel right now that isn't performing to the level that he can is Bukayo Saka. I want to see more from him. He's been a difference-maker for Arsenal for so long, so many times. Of late I haven't seen that sort of guile and imagination and skill and goals that we need to see from him And he's got Max Dowman breathing down his neck, Noni Madueke can play down that right-hand side as well."
Redknapp has claimed that Saka could influence the game if he is deployed on the left flank. He said:
"I think maybe even playing down the left, sometimes, Saka. It feels like he's not getting success against anyone he plays against. I'm a big fan and I love the way he plays but he's the man who has to start taking the game by the scruff of the next and playing with no fear if Arsenal are going to win this title."
Saka has been Arsenal's poster boy in recent seasons but his form has significantly dipped this season. He has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances across competitions this season.