"They Know What It Means": Ancelotti Defends Bold Brazil Squad Choices Ahead of Chile & Bolivia Clashes

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti's explained his decision to leave out Neymar & Rodrygo from the Selecao squad for the September World cup qualifiers against Chile & Bolivia.

Why Neymar & Rodrygo were left out?

Speaking at a press conference Ancelotti said:

"I didn’t tell Rodrygo or Neymar about the decision. They know exactly what it means. They've to play matches and be in good physical condition. If they want explanation, they can call me .. Rodrygo has my number, Neymar probably does too"

The Italy born coach confirmed Neymar was excluded due to minor thigh injury sustained last week:

"Neymar like any other player, must regain his full fitness to help the national team. Physical condition's one of our main criteria. If someone isn't ready, I can easily call another player"

As for Rodrygo, his omission's seen as part of Ancelotti’s plan to test new faces with Brazil already qualified for the 2026 World cup.

Squad rotation & long term planning

Ancelotti emphasized the importance of rotating the squad:

“This list's slightly different from the last 1 because I want to evaluate players I don’t know very well. We need to create bigger pool of players (51 or 52) to prepare for the World cup. Time's very short”

Lucas Paqueta returns

One of the notable inclusions is Lucas Paqueta who returns after being cleared of alleged betting violations.

"Paqueta's very important midfielder with great technical skills & versatility. I want to use this opportunity to evaluate him closely" Ancelotti said.

Brazil squad for September fixtures:

• 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 (Man United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
  
• Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Man United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham)

Road to 2026: Key Results & Upcoming Fixtures

Brazil recently drew 0 - 0 with Ecuador before defeating Paraguay under Ancelotti in Jun and will now face Chile on 5 September & Bolivia on 10 Sep.

The team'll also play friendlies in October, November and March 2026 ahead of the World cup in Jun.

Brazil sit 3rd in the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 25 point trailing leaders Argentina (35 point).

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.