By RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil coach Dorival Jr has included 17-year-old striker Estevao Willian in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, marking the teenager’s first call-up to the national team.
Estevao, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ and set to join Chelsea next year, was named alongside former Palmeiras teammate Endrick and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in the forward line for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.
“I have always invested heavily in young players throughout my career,” Dorival said at a press conference Friday. “He is a player who has been emerging and showing great things. It is up to us to believe. I ask that we have a little patience with these kids. As was the case with Endrick.”
Neymar was not included in the squad as he continues to recover from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee. The striker, who underwent surgery, also missed the recent Copa America.
“No need to comment. Everyone knows how important he is (Neymar). But everything has to happen at the right time and in the right place. I have no doubt that, as soon as he recovers, he will be included again,” Dorival added.
The 62-year-old manager, who took over in January, has omitted Barcelona winger Raphinha and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro from the squad.
Brazil, currently sixth in South American qualifiers with seven points, will host Ecuador in Curitiba on September 6 before facing Paraguay in Asuncion four days later.
The squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Ederson
Defenders: Danilo, Yan Couto, Guilherme Arana, Wendell, Beraldo, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos
Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Joao Gomes, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Rodrygo, Endrick, Estevao, Luiz Henrique, Pedro, Savinho, Vinicius Jr
This squad selection reflects Brazil’s focus on integrating young talent as they aim to improve their position in the World Cup qualifiers.
