Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is one of the high-profile names to have been left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad after head coach Tite announced his 26-man squad on Monday. The Reds striker has been overlooked along with Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Newcastle forward Joelinton ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this month.
The absence of Firmino will come as a shock to the 31-year-old considering his improved form for Liverpool this season, with six goals in 12 appearances for the Reds this season. But Tite was not convinced enough to include the versatile forward due to the abundance of attacking options at his disposal.
That may end his World Cup dream once and for all, with Firmino due to be 35 when the next World Cup takes place in the USA in 2026. His former Reds team-mate, Philippe Coutinho, is another star name to be left at home. The Aston Villa playmaker has been sidelined due to injury but was in poor form anyhow and may not have been selected.
However, Liverpool duo Alisson Becker and Fabinho have been selected to participate in the tournament, which begins on November 20.
READ MORE: Klopp hails ‘exceptional’ Firmino and six others after Rangers win
Chelsea’s 38-year-old centre-back Thiago Silva is the oldest member of the UK-based travelling party as he prepares to add to his 109 caps for this country.
However, he is not the oldest player in the squad, with former Barcelona star Dani Alves a surprise inclusion at 39 given he plies his trade outside of Europe and Brazil.
Manchester United trio Antony, Casemiro and Fred will be representing the Red Devils in the Gulf, with City stopper Ederson competing with Alisson for the No 1 spot.
Confirmed 26-man Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Dani Alves, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Bremer, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva
Midfielders: Casemiro, Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Pedro, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior
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