Brazil boss Tite is reportedly expected to leave Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes out of his squad for the upcoming World Cup.

With each of the 32 managers needing to finalise their 26-man groups over the next week, announcements are due to be made in due course.

While some bosses may prefer to wait until domestic action has been brought to a halt, squad lists are already being pencilled in at a time when there is less than two weeks remaining until the start of the tournament in Qatar.

Despite emerging as one of the most highly-regarded centre-backs in European football, Gabriel is yet to earn a senior cap for his country.

Nevertheless, it has remained a possibility that could change with the 24-year-old starring in a Gunners side that currently tops the Premier League standings.

Gabriel also netted the only goal of the game on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal recorded a deserved 1-0 victory at the home of London rivals Chelsea.

However, according to Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade, Gabriel is already "practically ruled out" of being selected by the five-time winners.

Andrade has suggested that Bremer and Lucas Verissimo - of Juventus and Benfica respectively - are currently competing for the final central-defensive spot.

That is allegedly on the assumption that 39-year-old full-back Dani Alves is included in Tite's squad having already made five outings for his country this year.

Andrade adds that Real Madrid's Eder Militao will also be given preference due to his ability to deputise at right-back if required.

While the exclusion of Gabriel would naturally come as a disappointment for the player, it would not necessarily come as a major surprise.

Although he was selected in the squad for World Cup qualifying fixtures at the beginning of the year, the former Lille defender has missed out since March.

Gabriel will remain in contention for a late spot if Tite is forced to make any alterations to his proposed squad before November 13. body check tags ::