Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on the exclusion of Neymar and Rodrygo from the Seleção squad for the upcoming international break, stressing that it was a technical decision and emphasizing his respect and appreciation for the duo’s abilities.
Ancelotti announced Brazil’s squad for the matches against Peru and Chile, leaving out Neymar and Rodrygo, as well as Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao. The squad also included several new players, providing the Italian with an ideal opportunity to get to know them.
When asked at a press conference why Rodrygo was excluded, Ancelotti said, “I love Rodrygo very much and he knows that, but he just played his first game of the season (against Real Oviedo), and it was his first in a long time.”
He added, “Now he has enough time to prepare well and return to the national team. One of the most important criteria is his physical fitness. A player must be fully fit for the national team.”
He continued, “If Rodrygo and Neymar want any clarification regarding their absence from the list, they can contact me. I think they already have my number.”
The Brazilian national team’s roster for the upcoming international break is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Pinto (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alexandro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Vanderson (Monaco), Gabriel (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: André Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).
Attack: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Caio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).