Gabriel Magalhaes named to Brazilian Olympic team

Gabriel Magalhaes has been named to the Brazilian Olympic soccer team for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Both he and Gabriel Martinelli were called into camp following the Premier League season, but only the defender was named to the final squad. Reminder: Olympic men’s soccer is a U23 competition with up to three overage players permitted on the roster.

The competition runs from July 22nd (the day before the Opening Ceremony) through August 7th. Arsenal open the 2021-22 Premier League season on August 14th against Brentford, which means he will miss at least that match for time off. Depending on how far Brazil advance, he could also miss the August 21st tilt with Chelsea, but I’d expect him back available for Manchester City on August 28th.

Fortunately, Arsenal have Pablo Mari as cover at left centerback, who some prefer to Gabriel. I think it’s more or less a toss-up between the pair. And thankfully it’s not in a position like left back where the club have essentially no cover.

It’s disappointing for Gabriel Martinelli personally, but it’s probably better from an Arsenal perspective to have him available for the summer tours and preseason matches. If you’re like me and think he should he should play more often for Arsenal, more chances to prove his quality to Mikel Arteta over the summer should help his case.