Sport
Ancelotti Says Neymar and Rodrygo Are Not Playing Because They Are Injured
Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on why Neymar and Rodrygo were left out of the squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
On Monday, Ancelotti named 26 players for the crucial games, but Neymar, who is still recovering from injury, and Rodrygo, along with Vinicius who is suspended, were missing from the list. In their place, fresh faces such as Kaio Jorge, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, João Pedro, and Luiz Henrique got the call.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Ancelotti explained his decision. He said that while he has great admiration for Rodrygo, every player representing Brazil must be fully fit. According to him, a national team player must be at 100 percent physically, and if not, there are always others ready to step in.
When asked if he had personally told Neymar and Rodrygo why they were not included, Ancelotti noted that he didn’t need to. He said they already understand the expectations that come with playing for Brazil. Still, he added that if either of them wanted more clarity, they could easily reach out to him since both have his number.
Coventry City manager, Frank Lampard, speaks on team player and states how the player’s stance will help the team get into the Premier League.
The player is revealed to be Onyeka who he spoke about in the recent interview.
“He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players we have.
“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us.”
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, after their last match, shares an update on the injured team members after their last match.
He shared an update on Saka and stated that he is doing better after going through a hip injury. “His hip is improving a lot. Hopefully, he’ll be ready soon.”
He added about the other team members: “Martin is getting better and will be back in a few days, and Jurrien is fit for the weekend.”
Super Eagles footballer, Alex Iwobi, speaks on the World Cup and reveals their hope to play in the 2026 World Cup.
He shared that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopeful about hearing from them after they submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment. But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been.”
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