नवीनतम
Neymar left out of Brazil squad for WC warm-up friendlies
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Neymar has been left out of Brazil’s squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, the final set of matches before coach Carlo Ancelotti finalises his squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old forward recently returned from injury and played 90 minutes, providing an assist in Santos’ 1-1 draw with Corinthians in Brazil’s Serie A on Sunday.
Explaining the decision, Ancelotti said Neymar was not yet fully fit but could still make the World Cup squad.
“Why did I not call him up this time? Because he is not 100 percent, and we need players who are 100 percent,” the Italian said. “Neymar can still be at the World Cup. If he can play at 100 percent, he could be there.”
Brazil will face France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando on March 31 as part of their preparations for the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ancelotti said Neymar’s exclusion was based purely on fitness concerns.
“It is a physical evaluation, not a technical one,” the former Real Madrid manager said. “With the ball he is very good, but he needs to improve physically because, for the coaching staff, he is not at 100 percent of his abilities.”
Brazil’s squad includes four newcomers — Flamengo defender Leo Pereira, Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan.
Teenage attacker Endrick was also recalled after his recent form with Lyon, where he is on loan from Real Madrid.
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 in Group C.
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce).
Defenders: Wesley (AS Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Forwards: Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Rayan (Bournemouth), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).
