Neymar Left on the Bench Again: Ancelotti Unveils Brazil Squad for France and Croatia Clashes

Picture this: you're Neymar, back firing on all cylinders for Santos after a knee nightmare, bagging goals and assists like it's your birthday. Then Carlo Ancelotti, the gaffer who's supposed to have your back for Brazil, drops the squad list and... crickets. No invite to the party against France and Croatia. Ouch, mate.

As reported by OneFootball, the Italian tactician has named his Seleção for the upcoming friendlies, and it's a mix of the tried-and-tested with a sprinkle of fresh talent. We're talking just over a week out from the big one versus Les Bleus on 26 March at 9 p.m., followed by a revenge mission against Croatia on 1 April at 2 a.m. – you know, the lads who knocked Brazil out in the last World Cup quarters.

Squad Breakdown: Who's In, Who's Out?

In goal, it's the usual suspects: Alisson (Liverpool) as the rock-solid No.1, backed by Bento (Al Nassr) and Éderson (Fenerbahce). Defence is stacked with Premier League muscle – Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) to marshal the backline, Marquinhos (PSG), and Bremer (Juventus), plus Wesley (Roma) adding some flair from the right.

You've got Danilo (Flamengo) and Alex Sandro (Flamengo) for experience, with Ibañez (Al-Ahly) and Léo Pereira (Flamengo) filling out the options. Midfield? Casemiro (Man Utd) is back in the fold after his resurgence – music to Brazil fans' ears – alongside Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).

Up top, it's attack o'clock. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) leads the line, with Raphinha (Barcelona) and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) providing pace. Teen sensation Endrick (Lyon) gets the nod after his exploits, and Bournemouth's breakout star Rayan is the surprise package. Add Matheus Cunha (Man Utd), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Igor Thiago (Brentford), and João Pedro (Chelsea), and you've got firepower galore.

Notable no-show? Rodrygo, sidelined by injury. Public pressure for Neymar fell on deaf ears too – despite the outcry.

Neymar's Rough Ride: World Cup Dreams on Thin Ice

Let's talk the elephant in the room. Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer at 34, has been cooking for Santos since shaking off that ACL tear from late 2023. Two goals, two assists in four games, 315 minutes logged – including a recent draw where Ancelotti was watching from the stands.

But Don Carlo's verdict? "He's not at 100%." The boss hasn't been shy, saying the forward needs to hit peak physical shape to earn a spot. It's not a full door slam – "If he gets to 100%, he could be at the World Cup" – but with the tournament just three months away across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, time's ticking louder than a Neymar free-kick whistle.

Ancelotti's overlooked him since taking the reins in May, and this snub stings extra after Ney's February comeback. Fans are fuming, but the gaffer's playing the long game. Will it light a fire under the Barcelona legend, or is this the beginning of the end for his Seleção swansong?

What's Next for the Seleção?

These friendlies are no mucking about. Facing France – think Mbappé and co. – at 9 p.m. on 26 March, then Croatia four days later, it's prime prep for World Cup glory. Ancelotti's blending youth like Endrick and Rayan with vets like Vinícius and Casemiro, testing combos that could terrorise opponents come June.

Rodrygo's absence hurts, but the depth is there. If Neymar knuckes down, maybe he'll crash the party yet. For now, Brazil march on without their icon, leaving us all wondering: is this squad World Cup-ready, or just a teaser?

Grab your popcorn – or pint – these games could shape the Seleção's summer destiny. Stay tuned to TheFootball.News for all the action.