Brazil manager Tite has left Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino out of his squad for the World Cup.
Arsenal pair Gabriel Jesus & Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United’s Antony, as well as Tottenham’s Richarlison, have been included but Firmino has been omitted, despite scoring more goals than all of them in the league this season.
Supporters on Twitter were not happy about Firmino’s absence following the announcement, with some mocking the selection of Antony, in particular:
Joke that. Good for us though
— RIHF (@rageinhisfeet) November 8, 2022
People like to see washing machine tekkers xD. pic.twitter.com/3BX0xOI2hj
— Joseph A. Wright (@SpectrumHerald) November 8, 2022
We love him he can stay home no injuries and we will take of him
— englishjen (@englishjen2) November 8, 2022
So they shouldn't count ?? Goals and goals and so r assists
— Harney Maheswaran (@HarneyMaheswar1) November 8, 2022
Antony is a joke
— 🅿️ASTOR’S SON 🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@party_nextDR) November 8, 2022
It does seem to be a strange decision on the face of it, but Firmino’s lack of goals in recent weeks may have not helped his cause. The last time he hit the back of the net was during the 7-1 win over Rangers last month.
Instead of going away with Brazil, though, he will be traveling with most of Liverpool’s squad for a mid-season training camp in Dubai, which should mean he will be in excellent shape when the Premier League returns on Boxing Day.
