Ancelotti explains why Vitor Roque was not considered for Brazil call-up | OneFootball

Ancelotti has explained he did not consider calling Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque because of fitness concerns, prioritising only players at full capacity for these games, according to Globo.com.

He noted that Kaio Jorge did not feature in the last match he attended, citing minor issues for him, Vitor Roque and others under assessment, and said the current priority is players who are 100 percent.

Vitor Roque had been nursing pain in his left ankle since the São Paulo clash in the Campeonato Paulista semi-final. He missed the first leg of the final against Novorizontino, then returned for the second leg to score the goal that sealed the title.

Palmeiras later stressed the number nine came back ahead of schedule. He subsequently returned to the care of the Health and Performance Centre and sat out meetings with Vasco and Mirassol.

He trained with the group on Monday as the squad reconvened, lifting hopes of a return against Botafogo on Wednesday.

Despite missing this FIFA window, Vitor Roque still awaits a possible World Cup call-up. March has been set for final tests before the team’s main objective. This year he has featured in 14 of Palmeiras’ 18 matches, starting 10, with six goals and one assist.

Source: Globo.com