'Look at players I don’t know as well' - Carlo Ancelotti leaves Vinícius, Rodrygo, Neymar off Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

Carlo Ancelotti announced his 23-man Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, with three big names missing: Neymar, Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo.

Brazil will first host Chile at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 4, before traveling five days later to the high-altitude city of El Alto (4,100 meters) to face Bolivia. Currently, the Seleção sit third in CONMEBOL qualifying with 25 points, level with Ecuador and just behind leaders Argentina on goal difference.

The Italian coach explained his decision by saying he wanted to “get a closer look at players I don’t know as well on a personal level.”

While Neymar was omitted because of a recent leg issue, the Real Madrid duo was left out simply because Ancelotti feels he already has a strong understanding of what they bring to the team.

Vinícius Jr.’s absence is also tied to a one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation, meaning he would only have been available for the trip to Bolivia. Neymar, meanwhile, has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 due to recurring injuries and is still working his way back.

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).

Defenders: Alexandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: André Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham).

Forwards: Estêvão (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).

Among the notable inclusions is Lucas Paquetá, who returns to the national team after more than a year away. The West Ham midfielder had been left out of previous squads while under investigation for alleged links to a betting scandal.