Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos have both been omitted from the latest Brazil squad in what appears to be a boost for Chelsea.
Of Chelsea’s three first-team Brazilian players, only 18-year-old winger Estevao has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the friendlies against South Korea and Japan this month.
Santos suffered an injury in the lead-up to Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday and was not named in the squad for the game.
He also missed Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica, with Blues head coach Enzo Maresca confirming after the match that the midfielder was out until the international break so would not be involved against Liverpool this Saturday.
Joao Pedro has been carrying a knock in recent weeks and was a substitute against Benfica, entering the pitch in the 61st minute and eventually being sent off for two bookings.
He has not scored for Chelsea since his two goals immediately leading into the September international break, in which he did make the Brazil squad along with Santos and Estevao.
Ancelotti’s choice not to select Santos and Joao Pedro will come as welcome news to Chelsea, whose injuries have been mounting in recent weeks.
It gives their medical team the opportunity to better assess the duo’s fitness while the Blues have no scheduled games and when many of the squad are away with their own national teams.
Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar, has also missed out on the squad due to a thigh injury.
“Obviously many of these players will be at the World Cup,” Ancelotti insisted.
“But it is a list that also takes into account the injuries we have had in recent days. It is an opportunity for others to demonstrate their qualities.”
Arsenal defender Gabriel is in the Brazil squad named before he was forced off injured during Wednesday night’s Champions League win over Olympiacos.
Also included are Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, plus Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, Wolves star Joao Gomes and West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta.
Alongside Estevao in the Selecao’s attacking ranks are Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha and Tottenham striker Richarlison.
