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Joao Pedro Forced to Withdraw From Brazil Squad Through Injury
Martinelli earns his first senior Brazil call-up after Joao Pedro withdrew with an injury, as the squad prepares for friendlies against Australia and India.
On Wednesday, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Fluminense midfielder Martinelli's call-up to the Brazil squad, replacing Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, who withdrew from the upcoming friendlies due to an unspecified injury.
Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, faces Australia on September 25 and 29 before traveling to Kolkata to play India on October 3, marking the squad's return following their early World Cup exit against Norway.
Joao Pedro had been selected for these matches after a surprise omission from Ancelotti's World Cup squad earlier this year, while Martinelli earned his first senior call-up following an outstanding start to the season.
Although the forward played the full match and scored during a 2-2 draw with Hull last weekend, Chelsea has not confirmed the nature of the injury ahead of Friday's match against Brentford.
Martinelli now gets his first opportunity within the National outfit as Brazil rebuilds following their early World Cup elimination, where Brazil icon Neymar made only two appearances as a substitute.
The Martinelli steering wheel, from Fluminense, was called to the Brazilian team.The player will replace the attacker João Pedro, from Chelsea, injured, and becomes another premiere on Carlo Ancelotti's list for the friendly against Australia and India.