ARSENAL aces aim to take their Samba-style hot form to Qatar.
Three Brazilian join a trio of Three Lions among up to 18 Gunners who could go to the World Cup, with around seven players missing out.
Exciting attackers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus could get the chance to make their biggest impact yet on the international stage.
And two unsung midfielders who skipper their national sides will expect to have key roles in Qatar.
Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka has looked reborn under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta this season, although Ghana hero Thomas Partey will be anxious to avoid more fitness problems.
But one star definitely absent, due to groin surgery, is three-cap Englishman Emile Smith Rowe.
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And a batch of young Gunners hope the World Cup has not come too early for them, such as Portugal’s Cedric Soares and Belgium midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Here’s our guide to the Arsenal men fighting for spots in Qatar.
ENGLAND
Wideman Bukayo Saka is the only Gunner likely to start for the Three Lions.
Versatile defender Ben White could scrape into Gareth Southgate’s squad, while Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be one of the two back-up keepers to Jordan Pickford.
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BRAZIL
Gabriel Jesus has arguably been the Prem’s top striker this season – except of course for Erling Haaland at his old club Manchester City.
And of the Gunners’ three Brazilian Gunners, he’s in pole position to make Tite’s World Cup squad.
Defender Magalhaes and wideman Martinelli, however, should also make the party.
PORTUGAL
Right-back Cedric Soares, 31, and playmaker Fabio Vieira, 22, are struggling to make Fernando Santos’ powerful squad.
FRANCE
William Saliba’s brilliant breakthrough campaign at the Emirates, after three loan spells away, means he’s suddenly a near cert for the French squad.
But a starting spot looks a tough ask as France have one of the world’s most formidable selections are blessed with one of the best selection of centre-backs.
USA
Ex- New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner appears sure to go.
And Auston Trusty, the right-back recruited from Stan Kroenke’s Colorado Rapids, is shining brightly enough on loan for Birmingham to also have a real chance.
SWITZERLAND
Granit Xhaka is finally a fixture for Arsenal – just like he’s long been for Switzerland in winning 106 caps as anchorman.
Only injury can deny the 30-year-old the winter sun in Qatar.
GHANA
Xhaka’s midfield partner Thomas Partey is nailed on for the World Cup – as long as he doesn’t pick up yet another untimely injury.
BELGIUM
Former Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is sweating on his World Cup place after playing just a bit-part role for the Gunners.
JAPAN
Despite limited game-time at club level after recovering from injury, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu should be a solid contributor for outsiders Japan.
SPAIN
Full-back Hector Bellerin must be long odds to make the Spanish squad, having slipped well down the pecking order at the Emirates.
MEXICO
Having rebuffed England and Canada in favour of Mexico, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Marcelo Flores is pushing for a spot in Qatar
TUNISIA
Dutch-born centre-back Omar Rekik, 19, should go to Qatar, particularly as he’s performing well for Sparta Rotterdam on loan.
STAYING AT HOME
Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard are big-name absentees, while Mohamed Elneny also misses out.
Former England Under-21 stars Rob Holding and Reiss Nelson are also preparing for a mount without action.
And Emile Smith Rowe is recovering from groin problems.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
