Evening Standard: Joao Pedro Returns to Brazil Squad, Cunha's Omission a Boost for Manchester United

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been recalled to Brazil after missing out on the World Cup, while Cunha failed to make the squad, which appears to be a positive for Manchester United.

At this summer's North American World Cup, one of Brazil manager Ancelotti's most controversial decisions was leaving out Joao Pedro. Brazil were surprisingly eliminated in the last 16 by Norway, led by Haaland.

The former Watford and Brighton forward had an impressive first season at Chelsea, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, and winning the club's Player of the Season award, but he was still not selected.

Ancelotti then chose to bring Neymar back. The Brazil's all-time leading scorer had not played for the national team since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury.

The controversial decision did not work out, as Neymar suffered another injury setback and Brazil recorded their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Neymar subsequently confirmed his retirement from international football, having scored 80 goals in 130 national team appearances.

Brazil will play two friendlies in Australia later this month, which will be their first matches since the World Cup, before travelling to Kolkata to face India.

When Ancelotti announced the 26-man squad, Joao Pedro's return was the biggest talking point. The 24-year-old forward has made a strong start to the new season, scoring two goals, and has formed a powerful attacking line with Palmer and Chelsea's record signing Morgan Rogers.

However, the omission of fellow forward Cunha was surprising. He featured at the World Cup and scored three goals in the group stage, while he has also started all three Premier League matches for Manchester United so far this season.

Cunha's Manchester United teammate Andre Santos has also been recalled. He also missed the World Cup and, after joining United from Chelsea for £50 million this summer, has started only once for his new club so far.

Chelsea's Estevao has also returned to the squad after missing the World Cup with a hamstring injury. Guimaraes has recovered from injury and was selected alongside his Arsenal teammate Gabriel, having previously been troubled by a groin issue.

However, Gabriel Martinelli and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker were both left out. The goalkeeper position has undergone a major change, with Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio all receiving call-ups.

Experienced players such as Casemiro and Fabinho were also omitted, while Brentford forward Igor Thiago failed to make the squad as well.