Carlo Ancelotti has named Raphinha and Vinicius Junior in Brazil’s squad for two friendlies in November, despite concerns over the Barcelona winger’s recent injury and the Real Madrid forward’s poor form and domestic suspension.
The matches are part of Brazil’s preparations for future commitments and will be played in Singapore during the international break. Ancelotti has also selected five uncapped players as he continues to refresh the squad.
Jonathan Jesus of Cruzeiro, Andre Luiz of Corinthians, Marlon Gomes and Alisson Santana of Shakhtar Donetsk, and Manchester City midfielder Alan are the new faces in the group.
Raphinha selection revives Barcelona concerns
Raphinha’s inclusion is likely to attract particular scrutiny after he suffered a muscle injury during Brazil’s previous international break.
The Barcelona winger felt pain in his right thigh during Brazil’s 4-2 victory over Australia in September and was substituted at half-time. Tests later showed a muscle oedema in the back of his thigh, prompting him to leave the Brazil camp and continue his treatment in Barcelona.
The injury caused frustration in Catalonia because it affected an area where Raphinha had previously experienced fitness problems while on international duty.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said: “This is very worrying news for us. We are not happy with what happened. It has happened repeatedly with other players, and that is the danger of long international breaks.”
Journalist Alfredo Martinez, who closely follows Barcelona, also criticised how the situation had been handled, saying sarcastically of Ancelotti: “Another great service from Ancelotti to Real Madrid… they never learn.”
Raphinha returned gradually for Barcelona but had not recovered his full fitness by the Clasico against Real Madrid on 25 October. His selection for another long trip to Asia will therefore be closely monitored by the Catalan club.
Vinicius included despite suspension
Vinicius Junior has also been picked despite a difficult spell of form and a four-match suspension in La Liga.
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee banned the Real Madrid forward after he was sent off against Villarreal. The dismissal followed an incident involving Nathan Saliba’s hair and Vinicius’ protest at the referee after receiving the red card.
He missed Real Madrid’s games against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia, although the domestic suspension does not prevent him from representing Brazil during the international break.
Ancelotti’s decision to select both Vinicius and Raphinha has placed his choices under the spotlight, given Barcelona’s concerns over Raphinha’s fitness and criticism of Vinicius’ recent performances.
Brazil’s squad lists four goalkeepers: Bento of Al-Nassr, Lucas Perri of Torino and Pedro Morisco of Coritiba.
The defenders are Arthur Dias, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Jair Cunha, Jonathan Jesus, Vanderson, Vitor Reis and Wesley.
The midfield group consists of Andre Luiz, Andre Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Gabriel Pontempo, Joao Gomes and Marlon Gomes.
Alisson Santana, Alan, Endrick, Estevao, Raphinha, Ryan and Vinicius Junior make up the forward line.
Brazil play Japan on 14 November before facing Singapore on 17 November at the National Stadium in Singapore. The two fixtures will be Brazil’s final gathering of 2026 as Ancelotti continues to rebuild the team and provide opportunities for younger players.
