Neymar's Injury Woes Continue!
Brazil has announced its squad for the upcoming international friendlies as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year. The Seleção is scheduled to take on South Korea and Japan this month.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the squad in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday (October 1st) for the matches. While Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo are making a return, star forward Neymar Júnior has once again been left out.
Neymar's Injury Woes Continue
Despite former footballers still holding out hope for Neymar to perform well in Brazil’s next World Cup campaign, the reality is proving to be quite the opposite. Since being sidelined from the national team due to injury in October 2023, he has not been able to make a comeback.
Although he has played for his club after a transfer, injuries have repeatedly prevented him from being included in the national squad. This time, a left thigh injury is the reason Ancelotti has excluded him from the team.
In addition to Neymar, the squad will be without experienced goalkeeper Alisson Becker, winger Raphinha, and defender Marquinhos. Alisson recently left the field injured during a Liverpool English Premier League match. Raphinha's club, Barcelona, reported last Friday that he could be out for nearly three weeks due to a hamstring strain.
PSG defender Marquinhos is also sidelined with an injury. Furthermore, Andrey Santos and Alessandro Ribeiro have been dropped from the squad, having been included in Ancelotti's first two squads.
Brazil will face South Korea in Seoul on October 10th and Japan at the Tokyo National Stadium on October 14th.
Brazil Squad for Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Bento, Hugo Souza.
Defenders: Caio Henrique, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Éder Militão, Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Beraldo, Vanderson, Wesley.
Midfielders: André, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Joelinton, João Gomes, Lucas Paquetá.
Forwards: Estêvão Willian, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior.
