Brazil squad for March international break; Neymar left-out by Carlo Ancelotti

Neymar has once again not been called up.

With the Santos attacker once again excluded from Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s roster for the forthcoming friendlies in the US, Neymar’s chances of participating in the World Cup are dwindling.

Before Ancelotti announces his final World Cup squad on May 18, Brazil will play its final games against France and Croatia on March 26 in Boston and March 31 in Orlando, respectively.

Neymar told reporters at a Sao Paulo event following the squad’s announcement on Monday that he was “upset and sad” that Ancelotti had not selected him for the two friendlies.

Since tearing the meniscus and ACL in his left knee in October 2023, Neymar—Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals—has not represented his country.

After playing 90 minutes in a 1-1 tie with Corinthians on Sunday, the former Barcelona player reaffirmed his intention to represent Brazil in the World Cup. Two of Ancelotti’s assistants were present.

For the first time since taking over as manager in June, Ancelotti has chosen Endrick, who has scored six goals in 12 games since joining Lyon from Real Madrid during the winter transfer window. Igor Thiago of Brentford has been called up for the first time and is included in Brazil’s 26-man roster.

Brazil’s attack will be led by Raphinha of Barcelona and Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid, with Matheus Cunha and João Pedro of Chelsea also named in the side. Veteran midfielder Casemiro of Manchester United is on the squad, but midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who moved from West Ham United to Flamengo in January, is left out.

Brazil announce squad for games against France & Croatia

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Éderson (Fenerbahce).

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahly), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), João Pedro (Chelsea).

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