Neymar's Absence Continues as Ancelotti Unveils Brazil Squad for Korea and Japan Friendlies

October 2025: Brazil's squad announcement

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiled the Seleção's squad for a two-match October camp in Asia, as Brazil prepares for friendly fixtures against South Korea and Japan.

The two tests are scheduled for October 10 against South Korea and October 14 against Japan, both part of Brazil's ongoing build‑up ahead of international fixtures and tournament preparations.

Neymar remains unavailable due to a thigh injury, extending his period on the sidelines at 33 years of age. In his absence, a familiar core of Brazil's senior players returns, including Militao, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Jr., while the squad also welcomes back several experienced teammates.

In announcing the squad, Ancelotti confirmed his selections for the goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers who will shoulder Brazil's push in these October friendlies.

Goalkeepers: Bento, Ederson, Hugo Sousa.

Defenders: Kai Henrique, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Eder Militao, Fabio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhaes, Lucas Beraldo, Vanderson, Wesley.

Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joao Gomes, Joilton, Lucas Pacqueta.

Forwards: Estevao, Martinelli, Igor Jesus, Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.

Neymar's ongoing thigh injury has kept him away from action recently. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has stated Neymar will not return before November 2025, ruling him out of important league matches as Santos fights to stay clear of relegation.

Earlier in 2025, Neymar had returned to Santos after a disappointing stint with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where injuries and limited playing time shaped a brief and challenging spell.

During his time away from the Brazil national team, Neymar has endured a lengthy rehabilitation period after suffering an ACL-related injury while playing for Al Hilal in October 2023, a setback that significantly affected his club and international careers.

The 33-year-old forward is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most gifted players, but persistent injuries have interrupted his progress and complicated his ability to contribute consistently at the highest level. His return to international duty remains a subject of speculation as Brazil eyes the 2026 World Cup and other major competitions.

In terms of his international journey, Neymar has been out of action for nearly two years due to the ACL injury he suffered in October 2023, with his long-awaited comeback continuing to be a major talking point for Brazil’s coaching staff and supporters. The national team, however, continues to evolve with a new generation of players such as Vinícius and Rodrygo stepping into leading roles while waiting for Neymar's eventual return.

Overall, this October squad reflects Brazil's attempt to balance experienced leadership with younger talent as they navigate injuries and a busy schedule. Ancelotti's selections emphasize depth across the squad and a willingness to test new combinations ahead of future global competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar’s journey with Santos

Neymar returned to Santos at the start of 2025 after a difficult spell with Al Hilal. In this period, he faced recurring injuries that limited his appearances and impact, making a consistent return to peak form a pressing objective for both player and club as they navigate a challenging campaign.

Since his return to Santos, Neymar has featured in a handful of matches, contributing goals and assists but frequently sidetracked by fitness problems. His legacy at Santos remains substantial, with the club hoping to regain competitiveness while he focuses on regaining full match sharpness.

Neymar’s international career

Beyond club concerns, Neymar's national-team career has been affected by injuries and timing. He has been out of the Seleção lineup for an extended period but remains one of Brazil's most talented players in history, positioned to reclaim a central role if his fitness returns to his previous levels. Brazil’s ambition to balance continuity with progression continues as they look toward 2026 and beyond.

With limited matches remaining before year-end, Santos and Brazil alike will be hoping for a smooth rehabilitation and a timely return. Neymar's presence would be a major boost, but the squad's depth is strong enough to compete even in his absence.

Punchline time: If Neymar ever writes a book on injuries, it’ll be a best-seller—call it The Long Wound: A teammate's guide to staying relevant on the bench. Sniper joke 1: Neymar’s injury timeline is so well-marked, even the calendar files a restraining order against the next match. Sniper joke 2: When a sniper loves precision, even a footballer’s groin injury gets a seminar — the calendar is booked for rest, recovery, and reloading the squad list for the next game.