Carlo Ancelotti makes ruthless early Brazil calls as Neymar axed but Man Utd flop in

 New Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the squad with Neymar overlooked for his first set of games - but Manchester United loanee Antony is back in the fold.

Neymar had been Brazil's leading light for almost a decade but his form has nosedived with injuries hampering him since he left PSG several years ago. Ancelotti has now chosen to shun him ahead of games with Ecuador on June 5 and Paraguay on June 10.

Neymar's pain is Antony's gain however and he has been named in a squad that also features Richarlison and Casemiro. Antony endured a fall from grace in Manchester after joining them from Ajax, but has rediscovered his best form whilst on loan at Real Betis.

He could yet land the Europa Conference League with the Spanish side facing Chelsea this week but whatever happens his performances with Betis have seen him rewarded.

Neymar is back in his homeland playing with Santos, where he began his career, but the country's all-time leading goalscorer has not been granted any goodwill based on his previous exploits with Ancelotti claiming his fitness has been the main factor behind the call.

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The former Real Madrid boss said on Monday: "I tried to select players who are in good shape. Neymar had an injury recently. "Everyone knows that Neymar is a very important player, he always has been and always will be."

Brazil have been without its talisman since October 2023, when he tore his left ACL and meniscus while on international duty. Casemiro meanwhile returns for the first time in nearly two years and Ancelotti believes his personal qualities warrant selection.

"In my opinion, he is a great player. I was lucky to be with him, I think the national team needs this type of player who has charisma, personality, talent. Brazil has always had a lot of talent," he said. "In modern soccer, you have to add attitude, commitment, sacrifice, and Casemiro has that. And many of those who have been called up have that."

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Joelinton at Newcastle and Real Madrid's Rodrygo are also among those to miss out. Ancelotti has only just finished coaching Rodrygo but their past experience together didn't help him get selected.