ANCELOTTI LEAVES OUT NEYMAR, SPARES VINICIUS FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
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Agency Report
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of the squad and spared Vinicius Junior for next month’s World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Bolivia.
The 33-year-old Neymar, who rejoined Santos in January, has not played for Brazil in nearly two years due to recurring injuries. Ancelotti confirmed the forward had “a small problem last week,” though reports in Brazil suggest he is struggling with thigh discomfort.
The Italian coach downplayed the decision, stressing that Neymar’s fitness for the World Cup is the priority. “We don’t need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him. Like the others, he must arrive in good condition to help the national team give its best,” Ancelotti said.
Vinicius, who sealed Brazil’s World Cup ticket with a winning goal against Paraguay in June, will miss the September 5 clash with Chile at the Maracanã due to suspension. The technical staff also opted to excuse him from the September 9 trip to high-altitude La Paz, Bolivia.
Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá returns to the squad after being cleared of betting charges by an independent Premier League commission. He last featured for Brazil in November 2024. Chelsea forward João Pedro has also earned a recall following his impressive performances at the Club World Cup in July, where he scored three goals to help Chelsea lift the trophy.
BRAZIL SQUAD FOR SEPTEMBER QUALIFIERS
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Bento (Al-Nassr/KSA), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille/FRA), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco/FRA), Douglas Santos (Zenith/RUS), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA), Vanderson (Monaco/FRA), Wesley (Roma/ITA)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Joelinton (Newcastle/ENG), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham/ENG)
Forwards: Estevão (Chelsea/ENG), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), João Pedro (Chelsea/ENG), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luis Henrique (Zenith/RUS), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United/ENG), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Richarlison (Tottenham/ENG).
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