Brazil squad for friendlies against South Korea & Japan; Vinicius Jr returns, Neymar misses out

Neymar once again was left out of the squad.

Carlo Ancelotti has announced Brazil’s squad for their friendly games against South Korea and Japan in October matches and Vinícius Júnior has been called up.

On Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, coach Carlo Ancelotti made his team announcement for the games against Japan and South Korea.

The Selecao, who have qualified for the 2026 World Cup after finishing fifth in the South American qualifiers, will now play friendly matches ahead of the competition.

However, once again, their stalwart Neymar has not received a call-up due to a fresh injury he suffered during training for Santos.

Neymar, the star attacker, was sidelined due to yet another injury, this time to his left thigh. In September, Vinícius did not participate in Brazil’s final two South American World Cup qualifying games.

Ancelotti has also dropped some players from the squad as he tries to test new faces for the friendly matches. Meanwhile, some weren’t called up due to injuries.

Alisson Becker of Liverpool, Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain, and Raphinha of Barcelona are all out with injuries. On October 10, South Korea will host the first friendly, followed by Japan four days later.

Brazil squad for the October international break

Goalkeepers: Éderson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Vanderson (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton (both Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), João Gomes (Wolverhampton), and Lucas Paquetá (West Ham).

Forwards: Estêvão (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo & Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).

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