Arsenal
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With the first international break of the year approaching, several Arsenal players are set to represent their national teams, while others will use the break to recover from injuries. Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a positive update on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom are expected to return after the break, providing a significant boost for Arsenal’s final run-in of the season.
While Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Saka are all set to be excluded from international duty, there was initial surprise when Martinelli was listed in Brazil’s provisional squad. However, the Brazilian winger remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in February against Newcastle United, and he has not made the final squad selection.
In contrast, Gabriel Magalhães has been included in Brazil’s squad and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming matches. The Arsenal center-back has been one of the most consistent defenders in world football over the past few seasons and is now a regular starter under head coach Dorival Júnior. He is expected to partner PSG captain Marquinhos in the heart of Brazil’s defence.
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The biggest headline in Brazil’s squad announcement is the return of Neymar Jr., who has not featured for the national team since October 2023. The 32-year-old forward has been working his way back to full fitness after suffering a serious knee injury. Now back at Santos, Neymar will join Raphinha—currently in top form at Barcelona—to lead Brazil’s attack as they aim to improve their position in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli (Image credit: Getty Images)
Brazil currently sits in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings and faces two crucial matches. They will host Colombia in Brasília on March 20 before travelling to Buenos Aires for a highly anticipated clash against Argentina on March 25. The match will see Neymar and Lionel Messi go head-to-head once again in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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Full Brazil Squad for March International Break
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City).
Defenders: Central Defenders: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Danilo (Flamengo), Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG), Wesley (Flamengo), Vanderson (Monaco).
Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Joelinton (Newcastle), Neymar (Santos).
Forwards: Estêvão (Palmeiras), João Pedro (Brighton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
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