Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus dropped from Brazil squad ahead of World Cup as Tottenham’s Richarlison gets the nod

Arsenal trio Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have been dropped from Brazil's final squad ahead of the World Cup.

Head coach Tite has named a 26-man squad for international friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia later in September, including 11 Premier League players but Arsenal's much-vaunted stars have been snubbed.

Among the Premier League players included are Tottenham striker Richarlison, who has often started ahead of Jesus for the Selecao, and Manchester United's new £84m forward Anthony.

Explaining Jesus' absence, Tite appeared to allay fears the Gunners' World Cup spot was at risk.

He told reporters: "This squad is to give opportunities to others to show themselves. [Jesus] is competing for spot and he is in a big moment."

However, Martinelli's spot is far from concrete, with Tite adding: "[Fellow absentee] Coutinho is an extraordinary player. Gabriel Jesus too. We are talking about David Neres, Martinelli [vying for a spot]. It's very difficult."

Taking Jesus' spot is Flamengo striker Pedro, who is top scorer in this season's Copa Libertadores with 12 goals. Gabriel's spot was likely taken by first-time call-ups for Juventus' Gleison Bremer and Roma's Roger Ibanez.

Full squad

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

Defenders: Danilo, Alex Sandro, Gleison Bremer (all Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Roger Ibanez (Roma)

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

Forwards: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Richarlison (Tottenham), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo (both Real Madrid), Antony (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid), Pedro (Flamengo).