Overview

• Neymar was omitted from Brazil’s 23-man roster for September matches against Chile and Bolivia after what the coach described as a minor leg muscle injury sustained last week.
• The absence extends Neymar’s wait for an international return to nearly two years since his ACL and meniscus tear in October 2023.
• Brazil has already booked its place at the 2026 World Cup, and Ancelotti said there is no need to test Neymar in the closing qualifiers.
• Lucas Paquetá was recalled after an independent panel cleared him of betting allegations, giving Ancelotti his first look at the West Ham midfielder in this cycle.
• Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were not included, while the squad blends veterans such as Alisson, Marquinhos and Casemiro with emerging options like Estêvão and João Pedro.