No U20 World Cup for Endrick with Brazil

After the groups were drawn for U20 World Cup a few weeks ago, the national teams are now preparing to play in May and June. With Argentina set to host the prestigious tournament, one of the headaches for any country is having to count on its top stars. With leagues still in full swing, clubs don’t want to release their players for the tournament.

Brazil have officially announced that Endrick (Palmeiras) and Vitor Roque (Athletico Paranaense) will not be travelling to the U20 World Cup.

Brazil squad

Ramon Menezes has announced his squad of 21 players who will be in Argentina between May and June. The absence of Endrick and Vitor Roque takes them out of an equation in which the Canarinha were one of the main candidates to win the tournament. Without both forwards, their chances are reduced, although they are still one of the favourites to lift the title. In the South American U20 Championship in Colombia, which Brazil went on to win, Vitor Roque was involved.

Brazil, in Group D, will face Italy, Nigeria and the Dominican Republic. Despite missing their two stars, the Verdeamarelha will have Andrey Santos. The new Chelsea signing, who is on loan at Vasco da Gama, and was one of the best players in the tournament that Brazil won, will hope to shine on Argentinian soil to help his team add a sixth star.