Alisson Becker has been dropped from the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break, with Carlo Ancelotti explaining the reasoning behind the decision ahead of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City
Alisson Becker of Liverpool gestures
Alisson has been left out of the Brazil squad(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti hasn't ruled out Alisson Becker securing a return to international duty despite omitting the Liverpool goalkeeper from the Brazil squad for the upcoming break.
Alisson, who has earned 83 caps for his country, featured in every match for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup as they suffered an unexpected round-of-16 elimination at the hands of Norway.
The 33-year-old has been Ancelotti's first-choice keeper for the Selecao when available since the Italian took charge in May 2025, and has held the number one position for his nation throughout most of his international career.
However, the Liverpool star was amongst several notable omissions from the latest Brazil squad ahead of friendly fixtures against Australia and India scheduled for late September and early October.
Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Danilo Santos, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Endrick and Rayan were the sole survivors from Ancelotti's 26-man World Cup squad, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The former Everton chief selected nine uncapped players for his latest camp and 10 players plying their trade in Brazil, while making sweeping changes between the sticks as Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otávio - who possess just one cap collectively - received call-ups in place of Alisson, Ederson and Weverton.
Emphasising youth development, Ancelotti ultimately opted to include several players who will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with hopes of building them into the core of his squad for the 2030 World Cup.
However, he conceded that Alisson would likely reclaim his starting berth should he remain Brazil's finest goalkeeper, as he outlined the thinking behind his most recent squad selection.
"We are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions," he said. "That doesn't mean the others are excluded.
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Brazil(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"We know Alisson very well, and when the competitions - like the Copa America - come, if he remains being the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritize the younger ones.
"I chose these players - Marquinhos, Gabriel [Magalhaes], Bruno [Guimaraes], Raphinha, and Vini Jr. - to help with this change in direction. They are crucial for the future.
"We are confident in their commitment to quality, seriousness and professionalism, and they will help the younger players improve. That doesn't mean other players won't be involved.
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"We prioritised younger players for these friendlies to gather more precise information on everyone. It is possible that, by the time we reach the competitions, players not on this list today could be on the final squad.
"One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn't the future; they are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad."
While Alisson will undoubtedly be frustrated by missing out on international duty, it does provide a silver lining for Liverpool.
The Brazilian has endured recurring muscle problems in recent seasons, but will now enjoy a three-week period of recuperation before the Reds' encounter with Man City on Sunday 11 October.