Gabriel Martinelli and Ederson out of Brazil squad with Man City vs Arsenal showdown looming

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson have both pulled out of the Brazil squad ahead of their friendlies against England and Spain this month.

Tottenham striker Richarlison, however, has kept his place despite currently being out injured with a knee problem.

Martinelli has been suffering with a cut on his foot, which he picked up during Arsenal’s 6-0 win at Sheffield United last week.

The winger missed the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday and was spotted leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches.

Martinelli will miss Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Porto on Tuesday and he has now pulled out of the Brazil squad, too.

City goalkeeper Ederson has done the same after he came off injured during his side’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Ederson is understood to have picked up a thigh injury and it is feared that he could be out for up to four weeks, making him a major doubt for City’s key game with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on March 31.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has also withdrawn from the Brazil squad, with the country’s football federation announcing the news on Monday night.

Vasco da Gama goalkeeper Leo Jardim, Flamengo defender Fabricio Bruno and Porto forward Galeno have been called up as replacements for Ederson, Martinelli and Marquinhos.

“These are athletes who were already being watched and are in a position to fight directly for a position in these two initial friendlies,” said Brazil boss Dorival Junior.

Brazil take on England at Wembley on March 23, before facing Spain in Madrid three days later.