Neymar Out, Casemiro And Antony Return: Ancelotti Announces Brazil Squad (image-X/MrAncelotti)
Carlo Ancelotti, after his exit from Real Madrid and joining the Canarinho, had begun his first initial steps by bringing back Casemiro, Richarlison, and Antony to the squad. The Italian coach, whose contract extends through the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, announced his first squad on Monday for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.
However, Ancelotti has decided not to feature Brazil’s all-time goal scorer Neymar in the World Cup qualifiers. Neymar had played the last two games after recovering from a muscular injury. Brazil was without its talisman since October 2023, after he tore his left ACL and meniscus while on international duty.
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“I tried to select players who are in good shape,” Ancelotti said on Monday. “Neymar had an injury recently. Everyone knows that Neymar is a very important player, he always has been and always will be,” he added.
Ancelotti arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night after leaving Real Madrid. Moreover, the Italian coach is to be the first foreigner to coach the five-time World Cup Champion full-time in a century.
During the press conference, Ancelotti had assured that Vinicius Jr would grow as a Brazilian striker under his management. Vini had been criticised by the Brazil fans for not reproducing his Real Madrid form in the national team. When asked about Casemiro, he said, “In my opinion, he is a great player. I was lucky to be with him, I think the national team needs this type of player who has charisma, personality, talent.”
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The road awaiting ahead for the Italian coach may not be smooth, as the Brazilian society had kept their hopes high to end the World Cup title drought of 24 years.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Wesley (all Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Vanderson (Monaco)
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), (Gerson)
Forwards: Antony (Real Betis), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid)
