Brazil recalls Vinícius, Rodrygo as Militão returns, Neymar sidelined

Coach Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday named Brazil’s squad for two October friendlies in Asia, recalling Real Madrid forwards Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo and including centerback Éder Militão as the team prepares for matches in Seoul on Oct. 10 and Tokyo on Oct. 14. Neymar was left out after suffering a thigh muscle tear that will keep him sidelined until at least November, team officials said.

Ancelotti’s selection restores two of Brazil’s highest-profile attackers after Vinícius missed the last two World Cup qualifying games and Rodrygo had been out of the national team picture while struggling for club minutes. “Rodrygo is back, because even if he doesn’t play much, he has been very good every time he has come on,” Ancelotti said. The coach also emphasized that the list is not a definitive World Cup roster but rather reflects current availability and recent injuries.

The squad includes three goalkeepers — Bento, Ederson and Hugo Souza — and a defensive group led by Éder Militão, Gabriel Magalhães and Lucas Beraldo. Midfield options range from Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães to Lucas Paquetá, while the forward contingent features Vinícius, Rodrygo, Richarlison, Gabriel Martinelli...