Brazil squad for October friendlies: Vinicius and Rodrygo return, Joao Pedro out, Igor Jesus in  | OneFootball

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced the 26-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan.

Real Madrid attackers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have been called up after missing the last international break.

Rodrygo’s swirling exit rumours and poor form contributed to his exclusion last time, while Vinicius was left out because of his one-match suspension.

Vinicius has been at the top of his game for Los Blancos this season, bagging three goals and four assists in seven La Liga games.

On the other hand, Rodrygo is slowly gaining back his confidence after his struggles in the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite not being a regular starter for Xabi Alonso, the 24-year-old has racked up two assists in two Champions League games.

Rodrygo also thanked Ancelotti for helping him recover from a difficult period at the end of the last season.

Madrid defender Eder Militao has also received a call-up despite missing the recent Champions League game against Kairat due to a minor ankle injury.

Chelsea attacker Joao Pedro is among the notable absentees, with Ancelotti revealing that the 24-year-old has a minor injury.

Neymar, Raphinha, Marquinhos and Alisson Becker were not included due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Igor Jesus has made it to the squad, with Ancelotti praising the Nottingham Forest striker’s profile as crucial for Brazil in the World Cup next year.

Richarlison, Estevao and Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli and Luiz Henrique are the other forwards included in the list.

La Selecao will face South Korea on October 14th and Japan on the 18th.

Full Brazil squad

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)Defenders: Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Vanderson (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Joelinton (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).

Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).