Why wasn’t Raphinha called up by Brazil to play Ecuador and Paraguay?

The Barcelona winger was not included in Dorival Júnior's squad
by
sambafoot_admin
2024-09-02 17:31:18

A few months after a disappointing performance in the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024, the Brazilian national team returns to action to continue its journey in the South American 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Dorival Júnior’s men will host Ecuador on Friday (6th) in Curitiba before visiting Paraguay in Asunción four days later. The coach has submitted the squad that will represent the Seleção, and despite some last-minute changes, Raphinha did not make the list.

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This absence raised eyebrows, not only because Raphinha has been a mainstay for the Verdeamarela, but also due to his strong start to the season with Barcelona. However, the reality is that the winger could only have been available for the match against Paraguay.

Due to a yellow card received in the loss to Argentina in November 2023, Raphinha had to serve a one-match suspension against Ecuador. Instead of calling him up to play only in Asunción, Dorival chose to select players who will be available for both of this month’s matches.

Brazil squad to face Ecuador and Paraguay

Goalkeepers:

Alisson (Liverpool)
Bento (Al-Nassr)
Ederson (Manchester City)

Full-backs:

Danilo (Juventus)
William (Cruzeiro)
Guilherme Arana (Atlético-MG)
Wendell (Porto)

Defenders:

Beraldo (PSG)
Éder Militão (Real Madrid)
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Marquinhos (PSG)

Midfielders:

André (Wolverhampton)
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
Gerson (Flamengo)
João Gomes (Wolverhampton)
Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Forwards:

Endrick (Real Madrid)
Estêvão (Palmeiras)
Luiz Henrique (Botafogo)
Pedro (Flamengo)
Lucas (São Paulo)
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)