Ancelotti – Foto: Instagram/mrancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti announced this Monday, November 3rd, the call-up of the Brazilian team for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, on November 15th and 18th, in London and Lille. The Italian coach kept Neymar out of the 26-player list, justifying the decision by the need for the Santos striker to fully recover physically. The number 10 returned to the pitch on Saturday, November 1st, after 48 days away due to a grade 2 injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh.
Ancelotti confirmed that he has not had recent contact with Neymar. The coach highlighted that the priority is to have athletes at a high physical level for international commitments. This is his fourth call-up without the player, who has not played for the national team since 2023.
The list includes newcomers such as Luciano Juba, from Bahia, and the return of Fabinho, from Al-Ittihad, and Vitor Roque, from Palmeiras. Seven athletes play in Brazilian football, reflecting Ancelotti’s observations in rounds of the Brasileirão.
- Games mark the last tests of 2025 before the 2026 World Cup.
- Training begins on November 10th at Arsenal’s CT.
- The next friendlies will take place in March 2026, in the United States.
Neymar injury details
Neymar suffered the injury on September 14, during Santos’ draw with Atlético-MG. The problem in the rectus femoris of his right thigh was the third of the season. The striker came on in the 22nd minute of the second half against Fortaleza, contributing to the 1-1 draw at Vila Belmiro.
The player’s staff contradicted initial planning, which predicted a return only against Flamengo, on November 9th. Neymar has played 12 games for Santos in 2025, with three goals and three assists.
The club’s medical department monitors the physical transition. Imaging tests confirm progress, but require caution to avoid recurrence.
Ancelotti’s statements at the press conference
Ancelotti responded directly about the absence of number 10.
I didn’t speak to Neymar again. Let’s see when he can recover and play again. The Italian reinforced his physical demands for the World Cup.
I’m not going to take a player who doesn’t have intensity for the entire World Cup. We need physically top level players.
The call serves as the basis for the final list of 26 names in 2026.
News on the squad list
Luciano Juba debuts at left-back, with 28 games for Bahia, five goals and four assists. Vitor Roque returns after scoring 11 goals in the last 12 rounds for Palmeiras. Fabinho reappears after absence since the 2022 World Cup.
Fabrício Bruno keeps his place despite mistakes against Japan. Ancelotti assesses the defender’s overall performance.
- Hugo Souza, from Corinthians, guarantees 15 clean sheets in the Brasileirão.
- Alex Sandro and Danilo, from Flamengo, strengthen the defense.
- Estêvão, from Chelsea, stands out among young people.
Preparation for friendlies
The delegation is in London until November 16th. Open training takes place at Emirates Stadium, the venue for the game against Senegal. Trip to Lille follows right after the first duel.
Ancelotti plans four attackers in a tactical scheme. Intensity and balance guide choices for final tests in 2025.
Neymar’s history in the season
Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025, after 12 years. Recurrent injuries limit participation: ankle in February, edema in May and thigh in September. The striker plays 23 of the club’s 48 games this year.
Ancelotti’s absence from all FIFA Dates totals more than two years without selection. Last hopscotch match was against Uruguay, in 2023.
The player expresses the goal of being ready by June 2026.
Full squads by position
Goalkeepers register Bento, from Al-Nassr, and Hugo Souza, from Corinthians. Defenders include PSG’s Marquinhos and Cruzeiro’s Fabrício Bruno.
Midfield features Fabinho and new additions from the Brasileirão. Attack prioritizes Vitor Roque and Estêvão.
The list reflects 70 players monitored for the World Cup.
Focus on physical intensity
Ancelotti assesses the daily condition of all athletes. High competition demands consistent performance. Neymar needs to reach 100% to return.
The coach praises the number 10’s talent, but prioritizes physical fitness. Technical decision is based on game observations.
Last tests before the World Cup
Friendly matches end observation cycle in 2025. March brings duels against France and Croatia. June list defines group for World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ancelotti seeks defensive solidity and leadership on the field. Brasileirão players gain space due to intense calendar.
Repeatrcussion among athletes
Fabinho thanks you for your trust after returning. Vitor Roque celebrates a streak of goals. Juba highlights winning duels and defensive actions for Bahia.
Neymar follows individualized treatment. Personal staff accompanies daily physiotherapy.
CBF Planning
Rodrigo Caetano coordinates logistics in Europe. Commission remains in London between games. Training focuses on intensity to simulate the World Cup.
Ancelotti talks to clubs about release. Priority is selection in the final stretch of the season.
Notable Absences
Endrick is out due to a technical option. Alisson and Ederson are recovering from injuries. Bento and Hugo Souza hold goal.
Neymar leads absences due to recovery. Ancelotti keeps the door open for the future.
Neymar’s numbers in 2025
Forward has played 225 minutes since returning against Fortaleza. Three goals in 12 games for Santos. Assists total three in the Brasileirão.
Injuries total 78 days away. History includes knee surgery in 2023.
Expectations for November
Senegal demands defensive attention at the Emirates. Tunisia tests attack on Lille. Ancelotti projects tactical balance.
Games serve to correct Ási’s flawsthe. Defeat to Japan prompts adjustments.
List of 26 names
Goalkeepers: Bento, Hugo Souza. Full-backs: Luciano Juba, Caio Henrique. Defenders: Fabrício Bruno, Marquinhos.
