Joao Pedro has been handed an immediate route back into the Brazil squad after Carlo Ancelotti left him out of the World Cup, but the latest selection comes with several major surprises.
The Chelsea forward was controversially omitted from Brazil’s World Cup squad under Ancelotti, with the decision coming under even greater scrutiny after the South Americans suffered a shock last-16 exit to Norway.
Now, Pedro has been recalled at the first opportunity.
The 23-year-old has made an impressive start to the new season after benefiting from a full pre-season with Chelsea, and his form has earned him another chance to impress Ancelotti at international level.
Brazil are scheduled to face Australia twice, alongside a fixture against India, with Pedro now back in contention for a place in the starting line-up.
His return comes at the expense of Brentford forward Thiago, who misses out on the latest squad.
However, Pedro’s recall is not the biggest talking point from Ancelotti’s selection.
Alisson has been left out despite being Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup. The Liverpool star also started against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, making his omission particularly eye-catching.
Matheus Cunha is another notable absentee.
The Manchester United forward has registered two assists in three Premier League appearances this season and was a regular member of Brazil’s World Cup squad. Despite his strong start domestically, Cunha will not be involved this time around.
Thiago has also been dropped as Ancelotti continues to assess his options following Brazil’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
There are, however, plenty of familiar names in the squad.
Arsenal stars Gabriel and Bruno Guimaraes have retained their places, while Manchester United’s Andrey Santos and Manchester City’s Vitor Reis have also been selected.
Chelsea winger Estevao is another player welcomed back into the fold. The youngster missed the World Cup because of injury but has now recovered sufficiently to earn another opportunity with the senior national team.
Perhaps the biggest surprise among the newcomers is Nottingham Forest’s Jair Cunha.
The defender has received his first senior Brazil call-up, giving him the chance to make his mark under one of the biggest names in international football.
For Ancelotti, the latest squad sends a clear message.
Reputation alone will not guarantee a place.
Alisson and Cunha have been regular Brazil figures, but their omissions show that the Italian coach is prepared to make difficult decisions as he builds towards the next phase of Brazil’s international project.
For Joao Pedro, meanwhile, the message is completely different.
After missing the World Cup in controversial circumstances, he has responded with strong club form and earned his way back into Ancelotti’s plans.
Now comes the next challenge: turning his recall into a permanent place in Brazil’s squad.
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