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Marquinhos sidelined for Brazil friendly with France, reveals Ancelotti

Mar 26, 2026

Paris [France], March 26: Carlo Ancelotti revealed Marquinhos would be absent for Brazil's friendly clash against France in Boston. The Paris St Germain defender will miss out due to injury, but it is hoped he can feature in their next friendly against Croatia. Ancelotti suggested the France game could be an opportunity for others, telling a press conference: "We have three new centre-backs: Leo Pereira, Bremer, and Ibanez and we want to evaluate them. Not so much their physical condition, but how they fit into the group. "Obviously, all three have the qualities to be at the World Cup. At the World Cup, we will bring four or five centre-backs, keeping in mind that one of these centre-backs could, in some games, play as a right-back." Ancelotti described France as a "quality" team in a meeting which will see the former Real Madrid boss reunite with Kylian Mbappe. "They are players that everyone knows. Very strong players, with a lot of quality," he added. "Mbappe scored many goals last year. Now he's a rival. We have to defend well against him. He's a very fast player, with quality, very effective in finishing." Brazil will play four friendlies before this summer's World Cup in North America and the five-time world champions currently sit fifth in the FIFA rankings, but Vinicius Junior insisted they were not favourites. "I believe the national team isn't the favourite, based on our results," the Real Madrid forward said. "After Ancelotti arrived, we have a better idea of how to play. We have to do everything to put Brazil on top again."