Rio de janeiro: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Eder Militao have been recalled to Brazil’s squad for friendlies against South Korea and Japan, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced. Vinicius was previously excluded from Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, while Rodrygo last played for the national team in a match against Argentina in March.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the recall of Militao comes after his recovery from a knee injury that kept him out of international duty for over a year. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has also brought back midfielders Andre, Joao Gomes, and Joelinton, along with striker Igor Jesus. However, Neymar has been left out due to a thigh muscle tear, and injuries have also sidelined goalkeeper Alisson, defender Marquinhos, and forward Raphinha.

Brazil is set to play South Korea in Seoul on October 10, followed by a match in Tokyo against Japan four days later. Ancelotti emphasized that these matches will serve as serious prep
aration for next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, rather than as opportunities for experimentation. “The national team’s matches will not be for testing,” Ancelotti stated. “They are to play well, to win, to create hope among the fans. That is the priority.”

Ancelotti further explained that the quality of Brazilian players is notable and that his approach in the coming months will focus on maintaining a clear strategy without unnecessary experimentation. “There is a lot of variety. But I don’t want to experiment. The idea for the coming months is clear. I don’t want to invent, because football was invented a long time ago,” he added.

The selected Brazil squad includes goalkeepers Bento, Ederson, and Hugo Souza; defenders Caio Henrique, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Vanderson, Wesley, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, Fabricio Bruno, and Beraldo; midfielders Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joao Gomes, Joelinton, and Paqueta; and forwards Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Jes
us, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior.