Brazil’s Ancelotti Announces Squad for US Friendlies, Neymar Absent from Selection
Rio de Janeiro – Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of the Brazilian national team, has announced his squad for upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia in the United States, leaving veteran forward Neymar off the roster. The omission comes as Neymar continues his recovery from a significant knee injury and struggles to regain peak form. The matches, scheduled for March 26th in Boston against France and March 31st in Orlando against Croatia, serve as crucial preparation ahead of the Copa América tournament and, the World Cup in North America later this year. This marks 882 days since Neymar last played for Brazil, a period significantly impacted by injury setbacks.
Ancelotti emphasized the importance of selecting players who are currently at 100% fitness levels, citing recent injuries to key players such as Eder Militao, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, and Rodrygo as factors influencing his decisions. The coach stated, “This is a call-up that takes into account players who are 100% fit,” according to reports. The upcoming games will similarly mark the debut of Brazil’s new Nike kits, unveiled last week. The selection process is particularly critical as Ancelotti finalizes his 26-man squad for the World Cup, a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Neymar’s Road to Recovery and Current Form
Neymar sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. While he has returned to play for Al-Hilal, his recent performances have not been at his usual standard. His performance in a 1-1 draw between Santos and Corinthians in the Brazilian league on Sunday was reportedly underwhelming, contributing to Ancelotti’s decision to exclude him from the current squad. The 32-year-old’s absence raises questions about his role in Brazil’s future plans, particularly with a wealth of emerging talent vying for positions in the national team.
The situation is further complicated by the competitive landscape within the Brazilian squad. Ancelotti has a core group of players firmly established, but several positions remain open for contention, including goalkeeper, full-back roles, and the central striker position. According to reports, at least eight spots in the final World Cup roster are still up for grabs.
Squad Breakdown: Key Players and Emerging Talents
Ancelotti’s squad features a blend of experienced stars and promising young players. Casemiro (Manchester United), Estêvão (Chelsea), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), and Raphinha (Barcelona) are among the established names assured of their place in the World Cup squad.
In defense, Juventus’ Bremer is in contention for a recall. The midfield sees competition for a backup role to Bruno Guimarães, with Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara and Botafogo’s Danilo both in strong form. The attacking line is particularly intriguing, with Lyon’s Endrick emerging as a potential game-changer.
Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid, has been impressing with his goal-scoring and assist-making abilities. Having previously worked with Ancelotti at Real Madrid, the 19-year-old is considered a strong candidate for inclusion in the final World Cup squad. Another young attacker being monitored is Rayan, formerly of Vasco da Gama and now with Bournemouth.
