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Vinicius Junior reacts angrily as Arsenal star involved in red card incident during Brazil draw

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Arsenal have several players in and around the Brazil National Team squad, where they are playing alongside some true superstars.

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes started as Brazil drew 1-1 with Venezuela in a fiery World Cup qualifying match, and the centre-back is becoming an important player for his country.

Brazilian media rated Gabriel’s performance as a strong one, but did highlight the difference in the bravery of his passing compared to how he plays for Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus’ struggles meant he was absent from the latest squad, but Gabriel Martinelli was included, and came off the bench against Venezuela.

Martinelli was only on the pitch for 10 minutes, but this was enough time to get involved in some of the chaos that was ensuing, and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior had to leap to his defence.

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Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images

Vinicius Junior defends Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli after brutal Venezuela red card

In the final minutes of the 90, Martinelli picked up the ball and started dribbling down the wing, but Venezuela defender Alexander Gonzalez came flying in, and smashed into the Arsenal attacker with a dangerous elbow.

Vinicius Jr was disgusted with Gonzalez for what he did to Martinelli, and quickly rushed to his defence, before going to ground claiming that he too, had been elbowed.

Gonzalez was given a straight red card, but astonishingly, Martinelli was also booked for his part in the scuffle, despite the winger being brutally fouled.

Martinelli was otherwise bright in his brief appearance, but he could not help Brazil record a victory in tough circumstances in Venezuela.

Gabriel Martinelli’s role for Brazil

Despite his struggle for consistent form with Arsenal, Martinelli was selected in a Brazil squad with the likes of Vinicius, Raphinha and Savinho in his position.

Martinelli has now recorded 15 caps for Brazil, but just four of these have come from the start, with the Arsenal forward considered a bench option, and the potential return of Neymar will only make competition even more fierce.

Many fans believe Martinelli should be benched for Arsenal amid his poor recent run, but there is still hope that the 23-year-old can rediscover his confidence to find his best form, and his last game saw him score away at Chelsea in an encouraging display.