Joao Pedro and Estevao return to Brazil's ranks

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti recalled forwards Joao Pedro and Estevao to the Selecao squad yesterday, marking a significant overhaul in preparation for the friendly international matches scheduled for September and October following Brazil’s failure at the North American World Cup. Joao Pedro, 24, was among the players excluded by Ancelotti to make room for Neymar in the World Cup squad, which saw Brazil eliminated in the round of 16 by Norway. The forward started the season strongly with Chelsea in the English Premier League. Estevao, meanwhile, was a key pillar of the Brazilian national team before an injury ruled him out of the World Cup. Ancelotti’s first squad after the summer disappointment included several new names, such as goalkeepers Pedro Mosquera and Otavio, center-back Mauro Junior, and midfielders Bruno Pedro and Gabriel Pontempo. The list also saw the return of several World Cup stars, most notably forwards Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and center-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos. Brazil will play two friendlies against Australia on September 25 and 29 in Townsville and Brisbane, before facing India on October 3 in Kolkata.