Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti has drafted right-back Paulo Henrique into the Seleção squad for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan, following another withdrawal in the defensive ranks.
First Career Call-Up for Paulo Henrique
Henrique, 29, receives his maiden call-up to the national team after replacing Roma’s Wesley, who picked up an injury on Sunday during his club’s 2-0 win over Fiorentina. A steady performer for Vasco, Paulo Henrique has featured in 47 matches this season, contributing four goals and five assists since joining the club in March 2023.
The defender joins a series of last-minute changes to Brazil’s squad. Goalkeeper Ederson had been withdrawn earlier, prompting the call-up of Nottingham Forest’s John, while Monaco’s Vanderson was unavailable, leading to Vitinho from Botafogo being drafted.
Brazil’s Schedule and Squad Status
Brazil’s full squad is set to convene on Monday in Seoul ahead of Friday’s friendly against the South Koreans. The team will then travel to Tokyo to face Japan on Tuesday, 14 October. Due to national team duties, Hugo Souza, Fabricio Bruno, and Paulo Henrique are unlikely to feature for their respective clubs in the 28th round of the Brasileirão on Wednesday, 15 October.
Updated Brazil Squad for Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians), John (Nottingham Forest)
Defenders: Caio Henrique (Monaco), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Militão (Real Madrid), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Beraldo (PSG), Vitinho (Botafogo), Paulo Henrique (Vasco)
Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), João Gomes (Wolverhampton), Joelinton (Newcastle), Paquetá (West Ham)
Forwards: Estevão (Chelsea), Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vini Jr (Real Madrid)
