For the upcoming two World Cup qualifying matches, coach Carlo Ancelotti has made several changes to the squad.
Neymar’s absence from the national team continues to stretch longer. Many had hoped to see the Brazilian star in the famous yellow jersey after a long time, but unfortunately, injury strikes again. For the upcoming FIFA Window matches, Ancelotti has announced the squad without Neymar.
Brazil will face Chile and Bolivia next month in World Cup qualifiers. On Monday, Ancelotti revealed a 25-man squad, with the notable exclusion of two regular attackers, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
The 24-year-old Rodrygo was also absent from Brazil’s squad for two matches in June. Spanish media had already reported a couple of days ago that Ancelotti would not include any Real Madrid players for the next two matches, possibly due to insufficient rest after a long season.
At the squad announcement press conference, Ancelotti did not give a specific reason for Rodrygo’s omission but praised the forward.
“Rodrygo’s abilities impress me. Yesterday he played excellently for Real Madrid. It was his first match in a long time. Now he has time to prepare properly and return to the national team.”
Fans had high hopes for Neymar, but misfortune has followed him again. Reports indicate he sustained an injury during club training last Thursday, which Ancelotti hinted at.
“Last week, Neymar had a minor issue. But there’s no need to test his ability. Everyone knows his quality. Like everyone else in the squad, he must be physically fit to help the Seleção in the World Cup.”
Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023 against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier, when a knee injury sidelined him for a year. He returned for matches against Colombia and Argentina in March after almost 17 months but got injured again while playing for Santos.
When Ancelotti first announced his squad in May, Neymar was injury-free but was still not selected due to fitness concerns.
This squad has several changes. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães is included in defense, while midfielders like Lucas Paquetá are present. Excluded are defenders Danilo and Alex Sandro, and forward Antony.
Another reason for the changes could be that Brazil has already secured qualification for the World Cup, allowing Ancelotti to test and rotate the squad in the remaining two matches.
On September 5, the five-time world champions will face Chile at home, followed by a match against Bolivia five days later.
After 16 rounds of qualifying, Brazil sits third with 25 points, level with Ecuador in second place. Argentina leads the table with 35 points.
Brazil Squad
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Hugo Souza
- Defenders: Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Vanderson, Wesley
- Midfielders: André Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Joelinton, Lucas Paquetá
- Forwards: Éverton Wílian, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Caio Jorge, Luis Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Rafinha, Richarlison
