Brazil have called up 14 players who played in the 2022 World Cup, including Real Madrid‘s Vinicius and Rodrygo, for their friendlies against Guinea on June 17 in Barcelona and Senegal three days later in Lisbon.
Of the 23-man squad for the upcoming friendlies, which was released on Sunday by interim Brazil coach Ramon Menezes, five will wear the senior national team jersey for the first time and seven play for Brazilian clubs at a domestic level.
Menezes again left out some of his predecessor Tite‘s favorites, including striker Neymar, who is still recovering from injury, and fellow strikers Raphinha, Antony and Gabriel Jesus.
But he included several who were undisputed starters in Qatar, including goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Eder Militao and Marquinhos, midfielder Casemiro, creative playmaker Lucas Paqueta and forwards Richarlison, Pedro, Rodrygo and Vinicius.
Making their debuts for the Selecao in the squad list are Vanderson (Monaco), Nino (Fluminense), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Joelinton (Newcastle) and Malcom (Zenit).
Of the seven players called up from Brazilian teams, three are from Palmeiras (Weverton, Rony and Raphael Veiga) and two from Flamengo (Ayrton Lucas and Pedro), the clubs with the highest value squads in Brazilian football at the moment. The other two are from Fluminense (Nino and Andre), who have excelled this season.
Unlike his previous squad, when he included nine players from the U20 squad for last March’s friendly in which Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Morocco, Menezes opted for more experienced players this time around.
Menezes released the senior squad list a day after leading his U20 side to a 2-0 win over Nigeria at the U20 World Cup in Argentina, where the coach returns on Sunday to prepare the team for the last 16.
The U20 coach will continue as interim coach of Brazil‘s senior side while the Brazilian federation continue to search for a permanent appointment.
Their preferred choice was Carlo Ancelotti, who recently confirmed his intention to remain at Real Madrid. Source: marca.com
