Brazil v Senegal live: Team news and line-ups for friendly at Emirates Stadium today

Things haven’t been straightforward for Brazil star Vinicius Jr recently.

Last month, the superstar issued a public apology to Real Madrid fans following his angry reaction to being substituted in El Clasico win over Barcelona.

Vinicius stormed straight down the tunnel and appeared to have words for his manager Xabi Alonso after being brought off in the 71st minute.

And while the 25-year-old said in his statement that he had apologised to his Madrid team-mates and club president Florentino Perez, there was no mention of Alonso.

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel has been named in the Brazil squad and is in line to feature on familiar ground.

His club teammate Gabriel Martinelli is among the notable absentees from the squad, along with Raphinha, Joelinton and Savinho.

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza is also out, withdrawing due to injury. Vinicius Jr will likely operate down the middle, as preferred by Carlo Ancelotti.

Predicted Brazil XI: Ederson; Wesley, Militao, Gabriel, C. Henrique; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Estevao, Cunha, Rodrygo; Vinicius Jr.

Brazil play Senegal at the Emirates Stadium in north London this afternoon, with kick-off at 4pm GMT.

Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on ITV4 or stream it on ITVX, with coverage starting at 3:45pm GMT.

Brazil take on Senegal in the first of a double-header of international friendlies for the five-time world champions.

The Selecao had a stop-start qualifying campaign but have already secured a berth at next summer’s World Cup courtesy of a win over Paraguay in June, while five-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal beat Mauritania in the African qualifiers to seal their spot.

The two sides meet at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium two years on from their last meeting, when Senegal won thanks to a brace by Sadio Mane.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Brazil v Senegal.

Two teams that have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup are fine-tuning preparations with an intriguing inter-continental friendly at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium this afternoon.