Injury Crisis Hits Brazil Ahead of High-Profile Friendlies
Gabriel Magalhães, the Arsenal defender, was the latest to withdraw after sustaining a right knee injury during the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley last Sunday. Although he completed the full 90 minutes, subsequent imaging tests confirmed he is unfit for the international break. In a tactical decision, Ancelotti has opted not to call up a direct replacement for Gabriel, leaving the defense to be led by Marquinhos, Bremer, Léo Pereira, and Ibañez.
Earlier, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker was forced to withdraw due to ongoing fitness issues that have plagued his season. He has been replaced in the squad by Corinthians' goalkeeper Hugo Souza. Similarly, Alex Sandro was sidelined by injury, and his spot has been taken by Kaiki Bruno. These matches serve as the final major tests for the Seleção before Ancelotti names his definitive roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 18.
Brazil will face France at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Thursday, March 26, followed by a rematch of their 2022 World Cup quarter-final against Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Tuesday, March 31.
