Mikel Arteta says the Arsenal squad have helped to support Gabriel Magalhaes after he missed out on the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on May 22, 2022. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on May 22, 2022. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Whilst there was good news for a couple of Arsenal’s Brazilian players earlier this week, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus making the World Cup squad, Gabriel Magalhaes was one of those to miss out.

It’s fair to say that Gabriel wouldn’t necessarily have expected to be in the squad. His last Brazil call-up was back in February, and he’s still yet to make his international debut.

But the 24-year-old has impressed with Premier League leaders Arsenal this season, so it certainly didn’t seem impossible he’d be involved.

As a result, Monday’s squad announcement would have been a disappointment for the defender. Mikel Arteta says the squad are helping to support him through it.

“The whole team has been very supportive with him,” Arteta said on Wednesday.

“I think Gabi had that option in his mind as well and knew it wasn’t easy to get selected with the squad that they have. He was obviously hoping for it but he accepted the decision in a really good way.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes following their side's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes following their side’s victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

There are always mixed feelings as a club supporter when one of your players misses out on a major international tournament.

On the one hand, you’re obviously disappointed that the player hasn’t been recognised for their good performances, and you feel for them that they won’t get the chance to represent their country.

On the other hand, they’ll get some well-deserved rest and avoid any serious risk of injury over the break.

As long as the Arsenal squad support Gabriel and lift his spirits, that should help to mitigate his disappointment.

If they can do that, Gabriel’s non-call-up may not be such a bad thing for Arsenal, and if the Gunners end up lifting a trophy at the end of the season, the player can end the campaign on a high anyway.