Arsenal defender withdrawn from Brazil squad as five other players stay during international break

Arsenal defender Gabriel has withdrawn from the Brazil squad due to a minor achilles tendon injury, LondonWorld understands.

The centre back joins Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as another player sidelined from Brazil's friendlies against England and Spain this month, although the 26-year-old's injury is believed to not be too serious.

Gabriel has made six appearances for his country since debuting last year, while he has become a mainstay at the heart of Arsenal's defence alongside William Saliba.

“I had already communicated previously that we will work with a slightly more extensive list”, said Brazil head coach Dorival Junior.

“A pre-call — we can put it that way — and again, today, we had another casualty.

“Unfortunately, Gabriel Magalhães is uncalled. In his place, we are calling Bremer, from Juventus.”

Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White also won't be involved for their national teams over the break, while Thomas Partey will remain in London as he continues his recovery from injury.

Arsenal's next Premier League match is a massive fixture against Manchester City on March 31, before facing Luton, Brighton and a Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.