Brazil coach Ancelotti leaves Neymar out of squad for Chile & Bolivia games

Neymar has been left out of Brazil’s squad for their final two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, extending his absence from international football to almost two years.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Monday that the Santos forward suffered a minor leg muscle injury last week, which ruled him out of the 23-man squad. Brazil have already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, but the Italian coach insisted he needed fully fit players for the demanding final games.

“We don’t need to evaluate Neymar, everyone knows his quality. But we need him at peak condition to help the national team when it matters most,” Ancelotti told reporters.

The 33-year-old has not featured for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore his knee ligaments. Despite flashes of brilliance since rejoining boyhood club Santos from Saudi Arabia, his return has been inconsistent. He has scored six goals in 19 appearances this season, but his tearful exit after Santos’ 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama highlighted his ongoing struggles.

Ancelotti, however, has made it clear he still counts on Neymar for the World Cup in 2026, choosing to prioritize the forward’s long-term fitness over short-term appearances.

Brazil’s squad for the qualifiers includes regular stars like Alisson, Marquinhos, and Casemiro, alongside new faces such as Chelsea teenager Estevao and the returning Lucas Paqueta.

Brazil Squad for Final Qualifiers Chile & Bolivia games 2025:

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)

With Neymar sidelined again, Brazil will aim to finish their qualifying campaign strong with a squad blending experience and emerging talent.

Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel