Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained why he left Neymar Jr out of the latest Selecao squad for the World Cup qualifiers in June. The former Real Madrid boss took over the helm of the national team this week, before announcing his first official squad on May 26.
Neymar Jr. last featured for the Brazil national team in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier clash against Uruguay. The Santos superstar tore his ACL during the match and remained off the pitch for a year. He returned to football in October last year for his former club Al-Hilal but has continued to suffer from recurring injuries and fitness woes. Although he played for Santos earlier this month, it could take a while before he returns to the national team.
Following the announcement of his first Brazil squad, Carlo Ancelotti opened up about Neymar Jr not being a part of it. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
It remains to be seen if Neymar Jr returns to the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If he manages to stay fit and regains his old form, he could be a key part of Ancelotti’s project alongside lethal attackers like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Rodrygo.
In an interview with CNN in January this year, Neymar Jr spoke about returning to the national team and playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Selecao superstar said (via Al Jazeera):
Speaking further about the Selecao’s current poor form, the former Barcelona superstar noted:
Brazil were knocked out of the 2024 Copa America in the quarter-finals and is fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier rankings. In their last clash against Argentina in March this year, they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the Selecao will try their best to return to form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Pratyasha is an ardent admirer of Lionel Messi and has followed his journey since she was a kid; he inspires her with his dedication and humility. She has grown up watching, living, and breathing Satyajit Ray’s cinema, which she believes is timeless. She loves Taylor Swift’s music and thinks she’s a lyrical genius, and also admires Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone.
When Pratyasha’s off the clock, she enjoys reading books and listening to music. During the football season, she is usually busy watching football matches late at night when Barcelona are playing.
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