Carlo Ancelotti’s controversial decision to snub Chelsea star Joao Pedro in favor of an unfit Neymar looks worse by the day following a fresh update out of Brazil.
The decision of Carlo Ancelotti to call up Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup squad ignited a fierce debate, especially after forcing Chelsea’s in-form Joao Pedro completely out of the selection.
Neymar, who has struggled heavily with hamstring and knee issues and hasn’t represented the Seleção since 2023, was handed a highly controversial lifeline based purely on tournament experience.
This inclusion directly resulted in Joao Pedro missing out, whose incredible 20-goal season for Chelsea proved entirely ignored, showing that form gets you nothing.
With the World Cup now here, Ancelotti’s gamble will be tested immediately as Brazil kicks off their Group C campaign on June 13 against Morocco in New York.
PREDICTION: Which Chelsea player do you think will have the BEST World Cup?👀
Mamadou Sarr is being slept on…
Neymar set to miss all of Brazil’s World Cup group matches
According to FootMercato, Neymar Jr has still not resumed collective training with Brazil.
He is already out for the match against Morocco and his presence against Haiti and Scotlandis also uncertain, meaning he could miss every group game.
There had been reports that Joao Pedro would be considered as a replacement for Neymar should he not be able to make the World Cup, but it’s too late now.
Anthony Gordon starred for England against Costa Rica but is no longer an option for Chelsea. Which left winger should we now sign? 🤔
Joao Pedro must be furious at Carlo Ancelotti
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has every right to be completely fuming with international manager Carlo Ancelotti over his shocking World Cup squad omission.
Capturing Chelsea’s Player of the Season award, and earning nominations for the Premier League’s Transfer of the Season all came to nothing.
To have that productivity totally ignored would be insulting enough on its own, but the sting is magnified by who Ancelotti chose instead. Watching the Brazil boss prioritise an unfit, aging Neymar, who barely featured at club level and has not represented the Seleção since late 2023, is a massive slap in the face.
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