Overview
- Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti excluded Neymar from the September window after a minor leg muscle injury reported by Santos last week.
- Neymar’s international absence now approaches two years since tearing his ACL and meniscus in October 2023.
- With World Cup qualification already secured, Ancelotti said there is no need to test the 33-year-old before he reaches peak condition.
- Lucas Paquetá was recalled following last month’s clearance of betting allegations, with Ancelotti seeking a closer look at the West Ham midfielder.
- Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were not included, and the roster blends veterans such as Alisson, Marquinhos and Casemiro with emerging options like Chelsea teenager Estêvão for games against Chile at home and Bolivia away in early September.