Ancelotti hands Endrick a Brazil call-up for friendlies against Australia and India

Brazil's squad for the next international window is official. Carlo Ancelotti announced a 26-player list on Wednesday for the friendlies against Australia and India, with Endrick as the headline name. The Real Madrid forward gets the nod even though he has not yet featured in an official match for the Spanish club this season, still dealing with the physical problems he has carried since preseason.

• Ancelotti names Endrick in Brazil's squad for the friendlies against Australia and India.
• The Real Madrid forward has yet to make his official season debut for the club because of physical issues.
• The head coach backs the young striker as an important piece for the national team's future.
• Brazil includes 16 new faces compared to the World Cup round-of-16 squad, eight of them debutants.
• Ancelotti visited Valdebebas last week to monitor the club's Brazilian players, including Rodrygo and Militao.

Endrick joins Brazil squad without having made his Real Madrid season debut

Endrick's call-up comes at a delicate point in his club season. The former Palmeiras star stayed at Real Madrid at the express request of José Mourinho, even though he had significant offers to leave on loan or via a permanent transfer during the summer window. His role under the Portuguese coach remains uncertain, although on paper he is competing to be the first attacking option off the bench alongside Diomande and Espí.

Endrick was part of Brazil's squad at the last World Cup, but his impact fell short of expectations. Even so, Ancelotti has decided to show renewed trust in the young forward within a group of 26 players that includes 16 who were not part of the team eliminated in the round of 16 against Norway. Eight of those are making their first appearance at senior level.

What role does Ancelotti see for Endrick with the Brazil national team?

I believe Endrick will be an important player for the future of the national team.

When unveiling the squad, Ancelotti explained that Brazil's attack is entering a new phase after plenty of experimentation over the past year. "In the last year we tried many center forwards, but I think the situation is now very clear for everyone. We have a couple of very strong young players and we have to follow their development," the Italian coach said.

Beyond Endrick, the head coach pointed out that other promising players are performing well and that the team is well covered in attacking positions. The focus on emerging talent fits with the renewal Brazil needs after their disappointing World Cup campaign.

Brazil's friendlies against Australia and India open a revamped cycle

The matches against Australia and India are part of Brazil's fresh preparation phase. The squad shows major changes from the group knocked out by Norway in the World Cup round of 16, with 16 new names and a clear commitment to giving young forwards more international rhythm.

Keeping Endrick in the fold despite his limited minutes at Madrid shows that Ancelotti wants to protect the attacker within the project, even while the player is still working toward full fitness and regular competition.

Ancelotti's Valdebebas visit to track Real Madrid's Brazilian players

The bond between Ancelotti and the Real Madrid dressing room remains strong. The coach, who managed the Spanish club in two separate spells, visited the Valdebebas training ground last week to meet with the Brazilian members of the Madrid squad.

During the visit, the national team boss wanted first-hand updates on the recovery of Rodrygo and Militao, both dealing with long-term injuries. That personal monitoring underlines how closely Ancelotti continues to follow Brazil's international players.

Frequently asked questions about Brazil's squad with Endrick