Neymar left out as Endrick earns recall to Brazilian national team

Brazil's national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, revealed on Monday that Neymar is still not fully recovered from his injury, which means he will have to sit out two upcoming friendlies later this month, paving the way for youngster Endrick to rejoin the squad.

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Neymar, who plays for Santos, has been sidelined since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury, but has managed to play in four games for his club since mid-February, although he is not yet ready to represent his country.

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The 34-year-old will miss the pre-World Cup friendlies against France on March 27 in Boston and against Croatia on March 31 in Orlando, as he continues to work on regaining his full fitness.

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Brazil is set to begin their World Cup campaign on June 13 in New Jersey, where they will face Morocco, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland in Group C, as they bid to claim their sixth World Cup title, their first since 2002.

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Ancelotti explained that he did not select Neymar for the upcoming friendlies because the player is "not 100 percent" fit, but left the door open for his potential inclusion in the final World Cup squad.

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The coach noted that the situation with Neymar is different when it comes to the final World Cup squad, implying that the player may still have a chance to participate in the tournament.

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Meanwhile, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes will also be absent from the friendlies due to injuries, while 19-year-old Endrick has earned a recall to the squad thanks to his impressive performances on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.

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Endrick, who has 14 international appearances under his belt, last played for Brazil a year ago, but his recent form has prompted Ancelotti to give him another chance, having previously brought him to Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024.

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Ancelotti has also handed opportunities to two uncapped players, Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth teenager Rayan, as he continues to shape his squad ahead of the World Cup.

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The Brazilian squad features a mix of experienced and young players, including goalkeepers Alisson, Bento, and Ederson, as well as defenders such as Alex Sandro, Bremer, and Danilo.

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The midfielders selected by Ancelotti include Andrey Santos, Casemiro, and Fabinho, while the forwards feature a talented group of players, including Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, and Vinicius Jr.