Gabriel Martinelli: Former Brazil Midfielder Blasts Inclusion of Arsenal Forward in World Cup Squad

• Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is part of Brazil's 26-man squad heading to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup
• However, ex-Brazil midfielder Neto has suggested the 21-year-old should not have been included in the team by Tite
• Neto, who played for Corinthians and Sao Paolo, described Tite's decision to name Martinelli in the team as a joke
• Brazil are in Group G of the tournament are scheduled to play Serbia, Cameroon, and Switzerland in the pool

Former Brazil midfielder Neto has questioned the decision to include Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli in the 2022 World Cup squad.

The youngster is part of Brazil's 26-man squad named by Tite earlier in the week for the upcoming global football showpiece in Qatar.

Martinelli's inclusion in the team came after an impressive start to the season with the Gunners.

The 21-year-old has formed an important part of Mikel Arteta's side, which is currently topping the standings with 34 points.

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The Arsenal ace has scored five goals and bagged two assists in 13 Premier League appearances so far.

Neto blasts Martinelli squad inclusion

However, despite Martinelli's stunning run of form, Neto believes the Arsenal star should not have been included in Brazil's squad for the World Cup.

According to the former Brazil international, Martinelli's addition to the team is a ‘joke’ and a ‘disgrace’.

"This is a shame, this is a joke," Metro UK quoted Neto saying.

"This shows an institution that often makes you feel ashamed. I feel ashamed, not because of the Dani Alves story. What’s Martinelli’s story? What is the story of Martinelli, who has 33 career goals? This is a disgrace," he added.

Brazil are in Group G of the World Cup alongside Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon.

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Allegri on Pogba's World Cup hopes

Sports Brief earlier reported that Juventus manager Max Allegri has blamed Paul Pogba for his inability to take part in the 2022 edition of the World Cup in Qatar.

Pogba will not be part of France's squad, which will be out to defend the crown they won in 2018 in Russia.

The former Manchester United midfielder was ruled out of the competition after suffering from a fresh thigh problem, that will keep him on the sidelines for another three weeks.