By Isaac Mission
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained his decision to leave Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker out of the latest national team squad, while making it clear that the veteran could return for future major tournaments.
Alisson, who has earned 83 caps for Brazil, was omitted from the squad announced for the upcoming international friendlies against Australia and India.
The 33-year-old was Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, where the South American giants suffered a surprise round-of-16 defeat to Norway.
Since Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in May 2025, Alisson has remained his preferred goalkeeper whenever available. However, the former Everton manager opted for a major change in his latest selection.
Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio were called up as the goalkeeping options, with the trio replacing Alisson, Ederson and Weverton. The three selected goalkeepers have just one international appearance between them.
Ancelotti also included nine players yet to make their Brazil debuts and selected 10 footballers currently playing in Brazil as he begins preparing for the next generation of the national team.
The Italian manager explained that the current friendly matches provide an opportunity to assess younger players who could form part of Brazil’s future plans, including those eligible for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
However, he stressed that Alisson has not been permanently excluded from his plans.
Alisson Still Has a Route Back
Ancelotti said Alisson remains well known to the coaching staff and could reclaim the No.1 shirt if he continues to establish himself as Brazil’s best goalkeeper.
He explained that the decision to select younger players for the friendlies was designed to gather more information about the emerging options rather than permanently discard experienced players.
The manager also suggested that established stars who are still performing at a high level could remain part of Brazil’s plans for major competitions.
Ancelotti pointed to the likes of Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha and Vinicius Junior as experienced players who can help guide the younger members of the squad through the transition.
Liverpool Handed Timely Fitness Boost
Although Alisson’s omission will come as a disappointment to the goalkeeper, the decision provides Liverpool with a significant benefit.
The Brazilian has dealt with muscle problems during recent seasons, making periods of rest particularly valuable.
His absence from Brazil’s upcoming fixtures means Alisson can remain with Liverpool during the international break instead of travelling and playing for his country.
That could give the goalkeeper around three weeks to recover and prepare before Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City on October 11.
With Alisson remaining an important figure for the Reds, the extended break could prove useful as Liverpool prepare for another demanding phase of the campaign.
