Stephen Dunmoye

French former professional footballer, Emmanuel Petit has said that Arsenal forward, Gabriel Martinelli may not be part of Brazil squad to 2022 FIFA World Cup despite his impressive runs for gunners this season.

Martinelli was left out of the Brazilian team that defeated Ghana 3-0 in a friendly match on 23 September at Stade Oceane, France and the 5-1 victory over Tunisia at the Parc des Princes in France.

Petit believes it might be too early for 21-year-old Martinelli to get into the Brazilian squad.

According to him, “Brazil played against Tunisia and Ghana and won both games and of course Martinelli was not in the squad.

“I think it’s too early for him as there are players with more experience who are more efficient than him. We’re in the middle of October and the list will be done in early November.”

“He’s having a great season, but is it enough to go to the World Cup? This is Brazil. If he keeps on going in the form he’s in, he will be part of it but I think it’s too early.”

Martinelli has made three appearances for A Selecao (The National Team).

Meanwhile, he has scored four goals and registered two assists in nine Premier League games this season.

Brazil is in Group G of the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.

The Selecao have won the FIFA World Cup title five times at Sweden 1958, Chile 1962, Mexico 1970, USA ’94 and Korea/Japan 2002.