​RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has opted for an injection of fresh talent and experienced utility in his latest squad, confirming the exclusion of superstar Neymar Jr. for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia. The omission, while expected due to the forward’s recent return from injury, signals Ancelotti’s laser-focus on building a fit and cohesive team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
​The headline inclusion is the uncapped left-back Luciano Juba of EC Bahia. The 26-year-old, who can also feature in central midfield, was rewarded for his impressive form in the Brazilian Serie A.
​”He has a very important technical profile,” Ancelotti told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro. “He has the ability to play inside, and he’s been playing well with Bahia. He deserves this opportunity so that we can take a closer look at him.”
​Key Recalls and Casemiro Backup
​Joining the squad are two significant recalls: Al-Ittihad defensive midfielder Fabinho and Palmeiras forward Vitor Roque.
​Ancelotti confirmed that the experienced 32-year-old Fabinho, who last featured at the 2022 World Cup, is being eyed as a versatile backup for Manchester United’s Casemiro.
​”We’d like to have an option that can fit with Casemiro’s characteristics,” the Italian explained. “He has a different defensive profile to Casemiro, and also experience. He’s a player who has played at a very high level in Europe.”
​Meanwhile, 20-year-old striker Vitor Roque, who made a move to Palmeiras from Barcelona in February, has been rewarded for his prolific form, netting 17 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.
​Neymar Absence Continues
​As anticipated, the squad features no place for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar. The 33-year-old Santos forward recently returned to action after recovering from his latest injury setback, featuring in a 1-1 draw with Fortaleza on Saturday.
​Neymar has not represented the Seleção since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. Ancelotti has previously stressed that only players in top physical condition will be considered for his World Cup plans.
​Brazil will face Senegal at London’s Emirates Stadium on November 15, followed by a match against Tunisia at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Lille three days later. These fixtures represent one of Ancelotti’s final opportunities to experiment before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.
