Idman.biz
Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained his player selection for the upcoming friendly matches, including the reason for the absence of "Santos" forward Neymar from the squad.
Idman.Biz reports that Brazil will face France on March 26 and Croatia on April 1.
"If Neymar is 100% fit, he can go to the World Cup. I haven't called up Neymar now because he is not 100% ready; we need players who are in the best form. Neymar must continue to work, play and demonstrate his qualities and good physical condition.
I wouldn't say that [the selection of players for the final squad for the 2026 World Cup] is complete; the evaluation continues after each game. We believe that [goalkeepers] Ederson, Alisson and Bento are currently the best, but we are open to other options. Players who are not on the list must play well, work hard and demonstrate their loyalty.
You all know more or less that there are 17 or 18 players on this list who will participate in the World Cup. We have a fairly well-structured team, there are many attacking options, a little less in midfield, and a little less on the flanks. That's why I want to include two midfielders I don't know, like Danilo and Gabriel Sara, because we need those quality players. Defenders can also work to get into the main squad, for example, Marquinhos and Magalhaes, as well as Militao if he recovers well.
We have concerns about the central defenders, midfielders and attacking squad. We also need to consider potential injuries: the European season is very tense and we need to be in good shape and pay attention to the development of all our players.
Those who are not included in the squad today may be in the final squad. Paqueta can occupy a very good place. The two new players I brought to the team are showing excellent results at "Botafogo" and "Galatasaray", - Ancelotti told ESPN.
