Star footballer Neymar Jr. will miss Brazil’s last two World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile, extending his absence from international duty to nearly two years, as new coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the team on Monday. Ancelotti left the Santos star out of his 23-man squad, citing a minor leg muscle injury sustained last week as the reason for his latest omission.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker has not donned the famous yellow jersey since October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament injuries that have plagued his comeback attempts.
“Neymar sustained a minor injury last week. This will be the final two matches of the qualifiers and it will be very demanding, so we need players in their prime conditions so we can perform at the highest level,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Monday.
Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. Strikers Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were also left out of the latest squad.
The Italian coach, who has previously expressed his commitment to getting Neymar match-ready for the 2026 World Cup, opted for caution over the 33-year-old’s fitness. “We don’t need to evaluate Neymar, we all know who he is and what he is capable of. We need him in peak condition so he can help the national team the way we all know he can,” Ancelotti added.
Paquetá gets a call-up
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá was called up by Ancelotti for the first time. Paquetá, who has already played five qualifiers in the campaign but not for Brazil since Ancelotti took charge in May. The coach said he wants to get to know him better. Paquetá was cleared last month of spot-fixing charges brought against him by the English Football Association two years ago.
Brazil, third in South American qualifying, hosts eliminated Chile at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on 4 September. Five days later, Brazil will face Bolivia, which is fighting for a spot in the international qualifying playoffs.
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Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).
Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).
