Joao Pedro’s luck with the Brazil national team has taken another unfortunate turn. The Chelsea forward, who was left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup by Carlo Ancelotti in favor of Neymar da Silva — a decision that sparked widespread criticism at the time — was recalled for the September international window. The call-up appeared to be a deserved reward for his strong start to the season with Chelsea.
However, events did not unfold as the player would have hoped. The Brazilian Football Confederation announced in an official statement on Wednesday that Joao Pedro has been withdrawn from the current camp due to a sudden injury. The statement did not disclose any details about the nature of the injury or the expected recovery time.
In a swift move to fill the gap, Ancelotti has called up Martinelli, the Fluminense forward, to strengthen the attacking line. He joins a Brazil squad that has already seen a series of changes and surprises.
Brazil’s Upcoming Friendly Matches
The Brazil national team will play three friendly matches during the upcoming international break: two against Australia and one against India.
Updated Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers
- Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
- Mauricio (Coritiba)
- Otavio (Cruzeiro)
Defenders
- Arthur Dias (Atletico PR)
- Douglas Santos (Zenit)
- Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
- Jair (Nottingham Forest)
- Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Matheuzinho (Corinthians)
- Mauro Junior (PSV)
- Vitor Reis (Manchester City)
- Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders
- Andre Santos (Manchester United)
- Breno Bidon (Corinthians)
- Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal)
- Danilo Santos (Botafogo)
- Douglas Luiz (Juventus)
- Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)
Forwards
- Endrick (Real Madrid)
- Estevao (Chelsea)
- Martinelli (Fluminense)
- Pedro (Flamengo)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Ryan (Bournemouth)
- Samuel Lino (Flamengo)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)