Brazil squad: Raphinha and Vinicius included despite fitness and form concerns

Carlo Ancelotti has named his Brazil squad for two friendlies during the November international break, with the inclusion of Raphinha and Vinicius Junior attracting particular attention.

The selection comes as Brazil continue preparations for their upcoming commitments, while Ancelotti also maintains his policy of introducing younger players. Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus, Corinthians midfielder Andre Luiz, Shakhtar Donetsk pair Marlon Gomes and Alisson Santana, and Manchester City midfielder Alan are among the new faces called up.

Raphinha recall revives Brazil and Barcelona dispute

Raphinha’s selection is the most contentious part of the squad after the Barcelona winger suffered a muscle injury while playing for Brazil against Australia during the previous international break in September.

The 28-year-old felt pain in his right thigh during Brazil’s 4-2 victory and was replaced at half-time. Tests later showed a muscle oedema in the back of his thigh, prompting him to leave the Brazil camp and return to Barcelona for treatment.

The injury caused concern in Catalonia, particularly because Raphinha had previously experienced physical problems in the same area while on international duty.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said: “This is news that worries us greatly. 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 the way the player had been handled, directing a sarcastic remark at Ancelotti: “Another great service from Ancelotti to Real Madrid… They never learn.”

Raphinha gradually returned to action for Barcelona after the injury but had not regained full fitness by the time of the club’s Clasico against Real Madrid on 25 October. His inclusion for a lengthy trip to Asia is therefore being closely monitored by the Catalan club.

Vinicius selected despite suspension

Vinicius Junior has also been included despite a difficult spell in terms of form and a domestic suspension in Spain.

The Spanish Football Association’s disciplinary committee suspended the Real Madrid forward for four La Liga matches after he was sent off against Villarreal. The incident followed an altercation involving a pull on Nathan Saliba’s hair and Vinicius’ subsequent protest to the referee after receiving the red card.

He missed Real Madrid’s matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia. However, the domestic punishment does not prevent him from representing Brazil during the international break.

The call-ups of Vinicius and Raphinha have placed Ancelotti’s decisions under scrutiny, given Barcelona’s concerns over a recurrence of Raphinha’s injury and criticism of Vinicius’ recent performances.

Brazil’s squad lists four goalkeeping places, with Bento of Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, Lucas Perri of Torino and Pedro Morisco of Coritiba named.

The defenders are Arthur Dias, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Jair Cunha, Jonathan Jesus, Vanderson, Vitor Reis and Wesley.

The midfielders are Andre Luiz, Andre Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Gabriel Porembu, Joao Gomes and Marlon Gomes. The forwards are Alisson Santana, Alan, Endrick, Estevao, Raphinha, Ryan and Vinicius Junior.

Brazil will play Japan on 14 November and Singapore on 17 November at the National Stadium in Singapore. The matches will form the team’s final gathering of 2026 as Ancelotti continues to renew the squad and give opportunities to younger players.