Neymar ruled out of Brazil friendlies as Ancelotti recalls Endrick

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will miss the Seleção’s upcoming international friendlies later this month as the forward continues his recovery from injury, Sport360NG reports.

The Santos star has not represented Brazil since October 2023 after suffering a serious knee injury. Although he has recently returned to action for his club, featuring in four matches since mid-February, Ancelotti said the 34-year-old is still not fully fit for international duty.

Brazil are scheduled to face France on March 27 in Boston before taking on Croatia in Orlando four days later, but Neymar will not be part of the squad.

“I haven’t called him up because he’s not 100 per cent,” Ancelotti told reporters on Monday.

“However, the situation could be different when we select the final squad for the World Cup,” the 66-year-old added.

The five-time world champions will begin their quest for a sixth World Cup title, and their first since 2002, against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, before also meeting Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães were also unavailable for selection due to injury.

Meanwhile, teenage striker Endrick has been recalled to the national team after an impressive spell since joining Lyon on loan from Real Madrid. The 19-year-old, who has earned 14 international caps, last featured for Brazil a year ago.

Ancelotti previously signed Endrick for Real Madrid from Brazilian side Palmeiras in 2024 and has been impressed by the youngster’s recent performances in France.

The Italian tactician also handed first call-ups to Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth teenager Rayan, both of whom are yet to make their international debuts.

Brazil Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)