Neymar’s chances of playing in a final World Cup have taken a near-critical blow.
Brazil’s all-time top scorer was given a surprise gift with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo out of the tournament with a long-term injury.
However, it won’t be Santos’ Neymar who replaces him.
Lyon’s Endrick is instead the big returnee, while Igor Thiago of Brentford and Rayan Bournemouth make up the other two free spots.
Neymar’s blow comes after Ancelotti and his staff travelled to watch Santos’ last Brasilerao match.
However, Neymar didn’t feature due to muscle fatigue, with social media users points to him missing the match closest to his sisters birthday for the 10th time in 11 years.
Brazil will face France in Boston on May 26 and Croatia in Orlando May 31.
Their final matches will be in May 31st against Panama and June 6th against Egypt before the tournament begins, but Ancelotti will name his squad on May 18th, meaning Neymar has likely missed his last chance.
There was also another new addition at Brazil’s headquarters, with Ancelotti’s son Davide returning as his assistant after an uneventful short stint at Botafogo.
Brazil’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe).
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibáñez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (PSG).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Forwards: Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Endrick (Lyon), Martinelli (Arsenal) Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), João Pedro (Chelsea).
Leave a Reply