Dorival Júnior‘s latest squad for Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay has raised a few eyebrows among Arsenal fans, as only Gabriel Magalhães has been named in the squad.

Gabriel Martinelli and, perhaps less surprisingly, Gabriel Jesus have been overlooked for this round of international duty.

Ecuador's forward John Mercado and Brazil's defender Gabriel Magalhaes fight for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Ecuador, at the Major Antônio Couto Pereira stadium in Curitiba, Brazil, on September 6, 2024. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Ecuador’s forward John Mercado and Brazil’s defender Gabriel Magalhaes fight for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Ecuador, at the Major Antônio Couto Pereira stadium in Curitiba, Brazil, on September 6, 2024. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Brazilian manager announced the squad for their November fixtures, where Brazil will face Venezuela on 14 November in Caracas and Uruguay on 19 November in Salvador.

Arsenal‘s Gabriel Magalhães was selected among the defenders, but teammates Martinelli and Jesus did not make the cut, despite the former’s improved form for the Gunners in recent weeks.

While Martinelli remains highly regarded by the national team, competition for places in Brazil’s attacking line-up is fierce, and Dorival has seemingly prioritised players who bring different dynamics to the team.

Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli fights for the ball with Uruguay's Guillermo Varela during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament quarter-final football match between Uruguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 6, 2024. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)
Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli fights for the ball with Uruguay’s Guillermo Varela during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament quarter-final football match between Uruguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 6, 2024. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

Neymar and Endrick also omitted

The notable absences from the squad also include Neymar, who has struggled with match fitness since returning from a long-term knee injury.

Dorival explained that Neymar, although recovered, has only accumulated a few minutes at his club, Al Hilal, and is still regaining full fitness.

Similarly, Real Madrid‘s young striker Endrick was left out, as he has been unable to establish himself as a consistent presence in his club’s lineup.

Instead, the attack will be led by Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Estevão, who all return to the squad, alongside Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique from Botafogo.

Estevão, currently playing for Palmeiras but committed to Chelsea in the future, was a particularly eye-catching inclusion, demonstrating the coach’s intent to freshen up the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil’s latest squad

Dorival Júnior’s 23-man squad includes a blend of experience and youthful vigour, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Estevão from Palmeiras, and the returning Raphinha from Barcelona.

Among the goalkeepers, Al-Nassr’s Bento, Ederson from Manchester City, and Palmeiras’ Weverton have been selected. Defenders include Arsenal‘s Gabriel Magalhães, Éder Militão from Real Madrid, and PSG’s Marquinhos, alongside Murillo from Nottingham Forest.

Midfield reinforcements will come from Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), and Andreas Pereira (Fulham). Wolverhampton’s André and Flamengo’s Gerson also make the list, adding depth to the midfield.

Mixed fortunes for Arsenal‘s Brazilians

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 21: Gabriel Jesus of Brazil gestures during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 21: Gabriel Jesus of Brazil gestures during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

With only Gabriel Magalhães called up for this final FIFA date of the year, Arsenal‘s other two Brazilian stars will have a chance to rest and prepare for the upcoming busy period of domestic fixtures.

While fans may have been hoping to see all three Arsenal Brazilians don the iconic yellow shirt this November, Dorival’s choices reflect his current priorities as Brazil aim to solidify their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil are currently fourth in the South American qualifiers, with 16 points, tied with Uruguay. After a rocky start, the team has rebounded with notable victories over Peru and Chile, placing them in a solid position to push forward in their qualifying campaign.