Endrick included in Brazil squad, Neymar remains out
Rio de Janeiro: Brazil’s Copa America squad for the upcoming tournament in the United States has been announced by coach Dorival Junior, featuring some notable inclusions and omissions.
Teenage sensation Endrick finds himself among the selected players, representing a youthful injection into the squad. However, the absence of Neymar, sidelined since October due to a knee injury sustained during international duty, is conspicuous.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have been named in the squad, along with FC Porto’s Evanilson, who earns his first call-up. Notably, Manchester United’s Casemiro and veteran defender Thiago Silva have been left out of the roster.
Endrick, a 17-year-old prodigy set to join Real Madrid from Palmeiras in July, joins the likes of Girona’s Savio and Yan Couto from the same club. Dorival, who took over the coaching reins earlier this year, expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt quickly to his coaching style, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and performance on the field.
Brazil, runners-up in the 2021 Copa America, have been drawn in Group D alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica. Ahead of the tournament, they are scheduled to play friendlies against Mexico and the USA. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Brazil aims to mount a strong challenge for Copa America glory.
Here’s the full squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Bento (Athletico Paranaense), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG)
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus/ITA), Yan Couto (Girona/ESP), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Wendell (Porto/POR), Lucas Beraldo (PSG/FRA), Eder Militao (Real Madrid/ESP), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA)
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa/ENG), Joao Gomes (Wolves/ENG), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham/ENG)
Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto/POR), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Rodrygo (Real Madrid/ESP), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/ESP), Savio (Girona/ESP)
(Source: AFP)
