Arthur Elias says Marta is in the plans for the 2027 World Cup

Brazil women's team coach Arthur Elias has said Marta is "totally" part of his plans for the 2027 World Cup, which will be held at home. This statement, reported by Globo, Gazeta Esportiva, Terra and Placar, comes as the 40-year-old player was not selected for the upcoming friendlies.

An absence that does not rule out the star

Arthur Elias unveiled the squad list for the upcoming fixtures on Tuesday 10 November, without including Marta. Despite this absence, the coach was keen to reassure about the forward's future with the national team. According to Placar, he detailed the physical programme planned with Orlando Pride, the player's club, ahead of the World Cup.

Confidence shown

"Totally in the plans," the coach insisted, quoted by several media outlets. This position confirms that the Brazilian star, voted world's best player six times, remains a key element of the project for the upcoming competition. The next gatherings will serve to prepare the team, with or without the number 10, but the door is not closed to her.