Published: 09:33, November 2, 2024
Vinicius Jr and Raphinha lead Brazil's squad for World Cup qualifiers, Neymar still out
By Reuters
Brazil's forward Vinicius Jr (left) and Paraguay's defender Junior Alonso fight for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Paraguay and Brazil at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, on Sept 10, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP) 

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr and Barcelona winger Raphinha lead Brazil's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers, while Neymar was left out of the team named by coach Dorival Jr on Friday.

Brazil's top scorer Neymar will remain on the sidelines for his country after returning from a long-term knee injury in Al-Hilal's 5-4 win over Al-Ain in the Asian Champions League last week.

READ MORE: Vinicius Jr favourite to win first Ballon d'Or

Raphinha has been one of Barca's standout performers in the first half of the season and is coming off the back of a goal in a 4-0 win over Real Madrid and a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Vinicius Jr will return to international action after missing last month's qualifiers with a neck injury, while Real Madrid team mate Endrick was left out.

Barcelona's Raphinha gestures after scoring a goal during the international friendly football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 23, 2022. (PHOTO / AFP)

Brazil, who are fourth in the South American standings with 16 points, six behind leaders Argentina, play at Venezuela on Nov 14 before hosting Uruguay five days later.

"I think we are in a process of evolution, but it's not ideal yet," Dorival told reporters.

"We're going to fluctuate a bit more until we find consistency. But we are finding a way and I hope that happens in the next few games so we can be in a better position next year.

READ MORE: LaLiga calls for arrests after Vinicius targeted in hate campaign

"I don't pay too much attention to the first results. God willing, we will get results to get closer to the leaders.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Abner (Olympique Lyonnais), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Murilo (Nottingham Forest)

Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Gerson (Flamengo), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Raphinha (Barcelona)

Strikers: Estevao (Palmeiras), Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Savinho (Manchester City)