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Neymar Omitted from Brazil Friendlies as Ancelotti Demands Full Fitness

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has omitted star forward Neymar from the squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, the final tests before finalizing his World Cup roster. Ancelotti stated the decision was purely physical, as Neymar is not at 100 percent fitness, though he left the door open for the veteran to still make the tournament. The Italian manager emphasized the choice was made in consultation with his staff and that Neymar has nothing to prove technically. The 27-man squad includes four new call-ups and sees the return of teenage talent Endrick.

Key Points: Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad for World Cup Warm-Ups

  • Neymar excluded from final pre-World Cup friendlies
  • Ancelotti cites lack of 100% fitness
  • Decision made jointly with coaching staff
  • Four newcomers called up to Brazil squad
  • Teenager Endrick recalled after strong form
2 min read

Neymar left out of Brazil World Cup warm-ups

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti leaves Neymar out of friendlies vs France & Croatia, citing fitness, but doesn't rule out his World Cup chances.

"Why did I not call him up this time? Because he is not 100 percent, and we need players who are 100 percent. - Carlo Ancelotti"

Rio de Janeiro, March 17

Neymar was left out of Brazil's squad on Monday for friendlies against France and Croatia, the last chance for manager Carlo Ancelotti to test his players before finalizing his squad for this year's FIFA World Cup.

Neymar returned from his latest injury setback on Sunday, playing 90 minutes and providing an assist in Santos' 1-1 home draw with Corinthians in Brazil's Serie A.

Despite Neymar's absence from the 27-man list, Ancelotti did not rule out the 34-year-old's chances of playing at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, reported Xinhua.

"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, Neymar could be there."

Brazil will play France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando five days later. The South American team will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 in Group C.

Ancelotti said Neymar did not have anything to prove on a technical level, adding that the decision to leave him out was made jointly with his backroom staff.

"It is a physical evaluation, not a technical one," the former Real Madrid boss said. "With the ball he is very good, but he needs to improve physically because for the coaching staff, for me, he is not at 100 percent of his abilities. So he has to work to reach 100 percent of his potential. That is my opinion and the opinion of everyone on the staff who watch his games."

Brazil's squad includes four newcomers: Flamengo center-back Leo Pereira, Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan.

Teenage attacker Endrick was also recalled after his impressive recent form with Lyon, where he is on loan from Real Madrid.

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).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's a bit worrying though, no? If he's not 100% fit now, can he really get there in time for the World Cup? Brazil needs his creativity, but not if he breaks down in the group stage.
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Ananya R
As a football fan, I feel for Neymar. So much talent, but his body keeps letting him down. Hope he proves everyone wrong and makes a stunning comeback for the World Cup! 🤞
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Vikram M
Good to see the squad is looking to the future. Endrick is exciting, and the new call-ups show depth. Brazil shouldn't rely on one aging superstar. This might be a blessing in disguise.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the manager is making the right call, but the communication could be better. Just saying "he's not 100%" is vague. What specific metrics is he failing on? Transparency would help fans understand.
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Priya S
The squad still looks strong without him! Vinicius Jr, Martinelli, Raphinha... plenty of firepower. Maybe this pressure will make Neymar work even harder. Can't wait for the World Cup!

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