Chelsea forward João Pedro has been recalled to the Brazil squad after missing the World Cup, but the omission of Matheus Cunha could be welcome news for Manchester United.

One of Brazilian manager Carlo Ancelotti's most controversial decisions at this summer's World Cup in North America was to leave out João Pedro. Brazil was surprisingly eliminated in the quarter-finals by Norway, managed by Erling Haaland.

The former Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion forward was not selected despite an impressive debut season at Chelsea, where he scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, earning the club's Player of the Season award.

Ancelotti subsequently brought back Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, who had not played for the national team since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury.

The controversial decision backfired, as Neymar was again hampered by injuries, and Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

Neymar subsequently announced his retirement from international football after scoring 80 goals in 130 appearances.

Brazil will play two friendly matches in Australia later this month, their first appearances since the World Cup, before traveling to Kolkata to face India.

João Pedro's recall was the main focus when Ancelotti announced a 26-man squad. The 24-year-old forward has started the new season in fine form, already scoring two goals, and forms a potent attacking line with Cole Palmer and Chelsea's record signing Moisés Caicedo.

However, the omission of fellow forward Matheus Cunha was surprising. He played in the World Cup, scoring three goals in the group stage, and has started all three of Manchester United's Premier League matches so far this season.

Cunha's Manchester United teammate Andrey Santos has also been recalled. He missed the World Cup and has started just once for his new club so far following his £50 million transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United this summer.

Chelsea's Estêvão also returns to the squad after missing the World Cup with a hamstring injury. Bruno Guimarães is also back from injury and joins his Newcastle teammate Joelinton, along with Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães, who has been dealing with a groin problem.

However, Gabriel Martinelli and Liverpool's Alisson Becker were not included, and there was significant restructuring in the goalkeeper department, with Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, and Octávio receiving call-ups.

Experienced players such as Casemiro and Fabinho were also omitted, and Brentford forward Igor Thiago also missed out on selection.

Traducido por IA.

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