Carlo Ancelotti Reveals Real Reason for Neymar's Brazil Squad Exclusion
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided a clear explanation for leaving star forward Neymar Jr. out of the national team squad for the upcoming international friendlies. The decision has sparked surprise among fans, especially after earlier media reports suggested Neymar might be included in the preliminary list.
Focus on Fitness Over Form
Ancelotti emphasized that the omission is solely based on Neymar's current physical condition, not his technical abilities. "If he arrives at the next World Cup at 100%, he can participate. Why isn't he on this list now? Because he isn't at 100%. We need players who are at 100% right now," Ancelotti stated during a press conference.
He further clarified, "It's a physical assessment, not a technical one. Neymar handles the ball very well. For the coaching staff, and for me, he hasn't yet reached his full potential. He has to work to achieve it."
Neymar's Injury Struggles and Recovery Timeline
Neymar, 34, has faced significant injury challenges in recent years. He underwent serious knee surgery last year and has played only four matches in 2026 so far. His last appearance for Brazil was on October 17, 2023, during a South American World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay, where he sustained the knee injury.
Recently, he completed a full 90 minutes in Santos' 1–1 draw against Corinthians but then missed a subsequent game against Mirassol on March 10 due to a muscle strain from training fatigue. This pattern of setbacks has influenced Ancelotti's cautious approach.
Brazil's Squad for Upcoming Friendlies
Brazil is set to play France on March 26 and Croatia on March 31 in the United States. The selected squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Ederson
- Defenders: Marquinhos, Bremer, Danilo, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Andrey Santos, Danilo, Fabinho, Gabriel Sara
- Attackers: Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, João Pedro, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Endrick, Rayan
Future Prospects for Neymar
Ancelotti left the door open for Neymar's potential return, stressing that consistent performance and full fitness are key. "He has to keep working and playing, demonstrating his quality in good physical condition," the coach noted. The focus for Neymar now is on regaining match fitness and avoiding further injuries to secure a spot in future squads, including the next FIFA World Cup.
