Ancelotti Leaves Neymar Out of the Brazilian National Team Again
Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has decided to leave Neymar out of the squad for the second time since he took over as national team coach. This decision marks a new chapter in the preparation of the Brazilian national team, which seeks to consolidate its team for future challenges. Real Madrid forwards Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were also not included in the list. Lucas Paquetá, from West Ham United, was called up, marking his return after being cleared by the English FA in July following an investigation. Paquetá has participated in five qualifying matches, but hasn’t played with Brazil since Ancelotti took over in May. The coach has expressed his interest in getting to know him better.Brazil will play its last two qualifying matches on September 4 at home against Chile and on September 9 against Bolivia. Neymar and his team, Santos, are going through a complicated season in the Brazilian league, ranking 15th, close to the relegation positions. Recent defeats, including a heavy 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama, have generated criticism from fans. The former Barcelona and PSG forward, Neymar, has had problems with injuries since his return to Santos in January. The last injury occurred last week, when the club reported that Neymar suffered a muscle injury during a training session. Brazil has been without its star since October 2023, when he suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. Casemiro was included in the team, while the young Chelsea player, Estêvão, was also called up after a standout performance.Ancelotti commented that Neymar, like other players, needs to regain his best physical form for next summer’s World Cup, given that Brazil has already secured its qualification.
Carlo Ancelotti
Brazil’s Complete Call-up:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, and Hugo Souza.
- Defenders: Alex Ribeiro, Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Vanderson, and Wesley.
- Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Joelinton, and Lucas Paquetá.
- Forwards: Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Richarlison.
