Brazil: Gabriel Magalhães doubtful ahead of friendly clash with Egypt

Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães is dealing with physical fatigue and remains highly doubtful for the upcoming friendly between Brazil and Egypt. During Friday’s training session, head coach Carlo Ancelotti gave Gabriel limited playing time before substituting him with Léo Pereira. According to Ancelotti, Gabriel is still feeling the effects of fatigue accumulated after the Champions League final and is unlikely to feature against the Pharaohs.

The Italian manager also experimented with several adjustments in his starting eleven. Douglas Santos is expected to replace Alex Sandro on the left side of defense, while Igor Thiago was once again preferred over Matheus Cunha during training.

The lineup tested by Ancelotti included Alisson Becker in goal; Wesley França, Marquinhos, Léo Pereira, and Douglas Santos in defense; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães in midfield; and Rayan, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, and Igor Thiago leading the attack.

With just days to go before Brazil’s World Cup 2026 opener, the Seleção are taking no chances with Gabriel Magalhães, though his availability for the team’s tournament debut does not appear to be in doubt.

Nouya M'toama

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