Joao Pedro and Richarlison omitted from Brazil’s World Cup squad

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named his 26-man World Cup squad. One of the biggest surprises was the omission of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro. Tottenham’s Richarlison has also been omitted from the squad.

Joao Pedro was omitted despite a strong campaign

The omission of the versatile Joao Pedro was surprising, as the former Watford star has been in strong form this season, scoring 23 goals and producing six assists for club and country across all competitions. The forward has been a rare bright spot for Chelsea this season.

He also appeared in five of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers and their recent friendly encounter with Croatia, which makes his absence from the squad an even bigger surprise.

At 24, he still has time to make an impact on the international stage with the Selecao, but it won’t be this summer.

His Chelsea teammate Estevao will also miss out on this summer’s World Cup. However, the youngster’s absence is likely due to a hamstring injury, as he has missed the last five Chelsea games.

Richarlison also absent from the World Cup squad

The absence of Tottenham’s Richarlison is maybe more understandable than Joao Pedro’s. Richarlison has started only 18 Premier League games this season, appearing off the bench 12 times in the English top-flight, scoring 10 goals and producing 4 assists.

In truth, it wasn’t a bad return for the former Everton. However, the lack of consistent starts this season is likely the reason for his absence from the Selecao squad.

Notable names included in Brazil’s World Cup squad

One of the most notable inclusions in the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup is veteran forward Neymar. The 34-year-old has made 215 appearances for his club Santos this season, registering five goals.

He also appeared 28 times in the previous campaign in all competitions, scoring 11 times, as he looked to seal his place at likely his last World Cup. When Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti announced his name during the press conference to confirm his squad, it was met with cheers.

Another notable inclusion is Brentford’s Igor Thiago. The 24-year-old has been lethal this season for the Bees, with only Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland bettering his goal tally of 22 Premier League goals this season.

Thiago only made his international debut earlier this year and has scored once in his two international appearances for the Selecao.