Why Carlo Ancelotti left Rodrygo & Neymar out of first Brazil squad | OneFootball

New Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided an insight into his decision not to call either Rodrygo or Neymar Jr. up to his first squad.

Ancelotti’s maiden Brazil selection was of course unveiled on Monday evening.

After the Italian made the trip to South America to kickstart his journey with the Seleção, his first order of business was to announce a panel of players for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.

And Ancelotti’s selection quickly turned heads, with headline returns having come in the form of Casemiro, and Antony.

Turning attentions towards those to have missed out, two of the most noteworthy came in the form of Neymar Jr, and Rodrygo.

Speaking to the media for the first time since taking up the Brazil reins, the subject of the absences of the Barcelona legend and current Real Madrid frontman were in turn put to Ancelotti himself.

And the veteran tactician went on to explain:

“Neymar’s out of the list as he’s just returned from injury. I spoke to Ney and we’ve agreed on this. I trust Neymar, I count on him, we want him to arrive in best conditions to the World Cup. Joelinton, Rodrygo, Éderson, Militão are also out due to injury.”

Conor Laird – GSFN