Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury has led to a scramble for replacement options and Alves is certainly the standout name. The Barcelona defender will return from his six-month absence in time for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Peru on October 6th and Argentina on October 10th.
Barcelona’s Dani Alves makes return to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers after injury. Read more in detail here: dani alves.
Dani Alves has been recalled by Brazil coach Tite for the last two World Cup qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, two 21-year-old offensive duo from Real Madrid, have also been chosen in the 26-man squad.
Neymar has been left out as he recovers from an ankle injury he experienced with Paris Saint-Germain in November.
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After canceling his contract with Sao Paulo two months before, Alves, 38, made a spectacular comeback to Barcelona in November.
Alves, one of the world’s most accomplished athletes, has been left out of Tite’s previous selections.
The veteran right-back, who led Brazil to Olympic gold in 2022, made his first league appearance for Barcelona on Jan. 8 and started in Wednesday’s 3-2 Supercopa quarterfinal defeat to Real Madrid.
Vinicius Jr. scored in the game, continuing his stellar season at Real Madrid. He has 15 goals in 27 appearances for Madrid in all competitions, which is more than he had in the previous two seasons.
Rodrygo, meanwhile, has played more minutes for Los Blancos this season, appearing in 27 games.
Tite has pleaded with supporters to be patient with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo as they acquire experience and grow with the national squad.
Dani Alves has been chosen to Brazil’s national team. Abbie Parr/Getty Images photo
“With young athletes, we have to be extremely cautious,” Tite remarked. “We must maintain our composure and refrain from unrealistic expectations.” Vinicius is in his third season [at Real Madrid] and has made his mark. I’m not sure how many times he’s been with us. This is a process, and we must proceed with caution. He’ll change his mind.
“He was our standout player against Argentina [on November 17]. He had previously put forth a strong showing at Real Madrid. Even with the weight of the Brazilian jersey, we must allow him to grow and evolve.”
Philippe Coutinho, who joined Aston Villa on a six-month loan from Barcelona in January, has retained his spot in the team.
“Coutinho is a key player in terms of creating and finishing,” Tite remarked. “He’s getting back to his finest form. He is in good enough shape to rejoin the national squad.”
Fabinho of Liverpool and Lucas Paqueta of Lyon have been included to the squad, but will miss the game against Ecuador on January 27 due to suspension.
With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has announced that all European-based players will fly straight from Madrid to Quito.
On February 1, Brazil hosts Paraguay, who have already qualified for the World Cup and are undefeated in qualification.
Brazil’s team
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Gerson (Marseille), Bruno Guimaraes (Lyon), Philippe Coutinho (Aston Villa), Lucas Paqueta (Aston Villa), Eder Militao (Re (Real Madrid)
