Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhaes, three Arsenal players, were all left out of Brazil’s most recent World Cup qualifying team for their forthcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Tunisia this month.

Gabriel Magalhaes missed both matches due to a thigh injury and has yet to win his first senior cap, but all three Arsenal players were in Brazil’s team for their friendlies against South Korea and Japan in June.

Jesus and Martinelli have both had outstanding beginnings to the new Premier League campaign and have been crucial to Mikel Arteta’s team winning five of their first six games.

However, they will not participate in Brazil’s forthcoming international break matches against Ghana and Tunisia.

When questioned about Jesus’ exclusion from the team, Brazil head coach Tite said he made the choice so he could focus more on other players.

“Gabriel Jesus, specifically, is having a great time and in contention. Absolutely, yes,” Tite said.

“These call-ups serve as opportunities for others. As well as others in this same context. Regarding the number of attackers. Football is creation and scoring, and defensive solidity. If you run away from these characteristics, you will lose.

“This balance point is very difficult in a team and we are looking for it. This number of attackers will not be determined. Athletes’ versatility is an important part.”

The team has added Pedro, a striker for Flamengo, as well as Gleison Bremer of Juventus and Roger Ibanez of Roma. 

Pedro has scored 12 goals in the Copa Libertadores this season.

Both the gastroenteritis patient Dani Alves and the Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho were unable to participate.

Brazil is in Group G for the World Cup in Qatar, which begins in November, along with Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon