Brazil squad for friendlies against Senegal & Tunisia; Neymar left out

Neymar recently returned to action for Santos after an injury.

Neymar Jr. has once again been left out of Brazil’s team. This time for the forthcoming international friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, creating new concerns about the Santos star’s future for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After suffering a severe knee ligament injury against Uruguay in October 2023, the 33-year-old forward—Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer—has not played for the Seleção.

Neymar continues to work on getting back to full fitness, even though he recently returned to duty in Santos’ 1-1 tie with Fortaleza, coming off the bench.

“He has to be in good condition, I just don’t think it’s going to be like ‘Neymar has to be flying high physically’. I think if he’s well, he’ll play. We don’t have anyone similar, and if he can maintain good performances, he’ll be called up,” the former Real Madrid coach Ancelotti said.

Meanwhile, Fabinho has been called up to the team for the first time in three years to play the friendly matches. Vitor Roque’s sensational displays for Palmeiras this season merited his place in the squad.

Casemiro retains his place as he continues to deliver impressive performances for Manchester United. Chelsea youngster Estevao takes his place in the Brazil squad, while Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo remain the regular call-ups.

Brazil squad for the November international break

Goalkeepers: Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Militão (Real Madrid), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Luciano Juba (Bahia), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Paulo Henrique (Vasco da Gama), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)

Forwards: Estevão (Chelsea), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vini Jr. (Real Madrid), Vitor Roque (Palmeiras)

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