Ancelotti omits Paquetá but says Flamengo midfielder could play at World Cup | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá has been left out of Brazil’s final friendlies before the World Cup, but Carlo Ancelotti says the Flamengo midfielder could still make the tournament.

According to Globo.com, after naming 26 players for meetings with France and Croatia later this month, the Brazil head coach explained the omission, stressing competition for places and a desire to assess new options.

He said there are selection doubts at centre-back, in midfield and to a lesser extent in attack, and noted injuries may occur during intense months in Europe and the Brasileirão. Those omitted now could still make the final list, and Paquetá, back in Brazilian football, remains in contention. He also wanted further looks at Danilo of Botafogo and Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray.

Paquetá has been in three of Ancelotti’s four squads and has played in all six matches for which he was available. He was overlooked only for the Italian’s first call-up, when he was still responding to an alleged match-fixing scheme in England.

The 2026 returnee has made 12 appearances for Flamengo, scoring three goals. He cost 42 million euros, or R$ 260 million, becoming the most expensive signing in Brazilian football.

Brazil face France on 26 March in Boston and Croatia on 31 March in Orlando, both in the United States. The World Cup squad will be announced on 18 May, before games against Panama at the Maracanã on 31 May and Egypt on 6 June in Cleveland.

Source: Globo.com