See which players can replace Neymar in the Brazilian National Team

Neymar was absent from the Brazilian team's first training sessions at Granja Comary, due to a grade 2 calf muscle injury. Outside of the preparatory friendlies for the 2026 World Cup, the Santos striker is at risk of being cut from coach Carlo Ancelotti's group, which would open up a place for a new squad member.

Present in the Italian coach's two previous squads, João Pedro is the most likely name to fill a possible void left by Neymar. A Chelsea striker since last year, he finished with 20 goals and nine assists in the 2025-26 European football season and was voted the best player in the squad by the English team's fans.

João even defended that the Peixe player returned to the team for the World Cup. "(I want) Neymar in the World Cup. Neymar is Neymar. Just like Messi is for Argentina, Neymar is for Brazil. Neymar is my idol. He's a guy I didn't have the opportunity to play with", he said in an interview with "TNT Sports".

Peter

Pedro, Flamengo striker - Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images
Still looking at the attack, Pedro is another one who could be called upon by Ancelotti. In the Italian's pre-list, the Flamengo center forward has had a good run of games this season and is going through a great phase. In total, there are 18 goals in 32 matches played in 2026.

For Brazil, he was present at the 2022 World Cup, where he was an attacking option behind Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus. His last game with the yellow-green shirt was in June 2023, in the friendly against Senegal.

Andrey Santos

Andrey Santos in the friendly between Brazil and France - Getty Images
Another possibility would be for Carlo Ancelotti to choose to reinforce the midfield with Neymar's absence. If this is the measure taken, Andrey Santos, from Chelsea, will be ahead in the dispute. He participated in friendlies against France and Croatia in March, but lost in the competition to Danilo, from Botafogo.

In England, the 22-year-old made 43 appearances this season, finishing with three goals and four assists. Previously, Andrey was revealed by Vasco da Gama and also played for Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg.

Neymar has a muscle injury and CBF confirms his absence from friendlies; understand

Source: CNN