Brazil XI that will not be playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Oscar and Hulk are only two of the many high profile names absent from the Brazil squad

Central defenders: David Luiz and Jemerson

Luiz has played very few games this season for Chelsea

Even without David Luiz and Jemerson, Brazil’s central defenders currently feature Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Miranda and Pedro Geromel.

Now one can argue that Luiz would have been a better option than Geromel, but Luiz has rarely played this season after a fallout at Chelsea with Antonio Conte. He is a fan favourite and the positive aura he creates will certainly be missed.

Jemerson won the Ligue 1 with AS Moncao last season — Jemerson won the Ligue 1 with AS Monaco last season

Jemerson, on the other hand, should consider himself unlucky after two back to back impressive seasons with Monaco. He was an important member of the Monaco side that won the league title last season beyond all expectations.

However, managers usually have a set of players they prefer and that can be the only reasonable explanation for the inclusion of Geromel.