Without Neymar on the list: Ancelotti announces those called up for selection and explains his absence

Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Brazilian national team, announced this Monday (3) the squad list for the November friendlies in Europe. Neymar, who returned to play for Santos last Saturday after a muscle injury to his right thigh, was not included in the list. The decision prioritizes the complete recovery of the 33-year-old striker.

The games take place against Senegal, on the 15th, in England, and Tunisia, on the 18th, in France. Ancelotti justified his absence by stating that he will only reinstate the player when he is fully fit. The Italian coach highlighted that he did not maintain new contact with Neymar on the subject.

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The list reveals a focus on athletes in regular activity and on the rise on the international scene.

Reasons for non-call

Ancelotti reinforced the need for Neymar to be 100% recovered. The striker has been away for seven games for Santos since September.

The injury to his right thigh limited the player’s participation. He played just 23 minutes against Fortaleza on his return. The coach avoided risks in the preparation period for the 2026 World Cup.

Cast almost set for 2026

Ancelotti reported that 17 or 18 players are already confirmed in the main group. A FIFA date in March will be used for the final assessment of injured players.

The March list should be similar to the final one for June 2026. The coach spends more time with the squad to refine choices.

Attack withnew options

Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Richarlison lead the offensive sector. João Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Vitor Roque gain space after good phases at clubs. Estêvão, from Chelsea, and Luiz Henrique, from Zenit, represent the new generation.

• Prospects like Estêvão debut on the main list.
• Vitor Roque returns after playing for Palmeiras in the Libertadores.
• Luiz Henrique maintains sequence of call-ups.

Preparatory games in Europe

The team faces Senegal in London on November 15th. Three days later, the clash takes place against Tunisia in Paris. The matches serve as tactical tests before the qualifiers in 2026. Ancelotti uses the FIFA date to observe integrations in the group.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers: Bento (Athletico-PR), Ederson (Manchester City) and Hugo Souza (Corinthians).

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Militão (Real Madrid), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Luciano Juba (Bahia), Marquinhos (PSG), Paulo Henrique (Vasco), Wesley (Rome)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Paquetá (West Ham).

Forwards: Estevão (Chelsea), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vini Jr (Real Madrid), Vitor Roque (Palmeiras).

Preparation for the World Cup

Neymar’s absence marks another year without games for Brazil. The striker has not played for the national team since the 2023 qualifiers.

Ancelotti only plans to reintegrate with the rhythm of the game consolidated at Santos. The current squad accumulates regular calls to maintain harmony.