Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of the squad and opted to rest Vinicius Junior for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. Lucas Paquetá makes his return to the national team after being cleared of betting allegations.
Neymar, 33, who returned to Santos in January, has not featured for Brazil in almost two years due to recurring injuries. He was reported to have suffered minor thigh discomfort in training last week.
Ancelotti downplayed the forward’s omission, stressing that the five-time world champions have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“We don’t need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him. He just needs to be fully fit for the World Cup,” Ancelotti told reporters.
Vinicius, who scored the decisive goal in June’s win over Paraguay, will also miss out. Suspended for the clash against Chile on September 5, Brazil staff chose to spare him the demanding trip to Bolivia on September 9.
West Ham midfielder Paquetá, absent since November 2024, returns alongside Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, who has impressed since joining the Premier League side in July.
Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Bento (Al-Nassr/KSA), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille/FRA), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco/FRA), Douglas Santos (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA), Vanderson (Monaco/FRA), Wesley (Roma/ITA)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Joelinton (Newcastle/ENG), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham/ENG)
Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea/ENG), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Joao Pedro (Chelsea/ENG), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luis Henrique (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United/ENG), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Richarlison (Tottenham/ENG)
