Joao Pedro withdraws from Brazil squad; Martinelli called up for India friendly

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has withdrawn from Brazil’s national squad with an injury ahead of the team’s October 3 friendly against India in Kolkata, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Wednesday. Carlo Ancelotti has named Fluminense midfielder Martinelli as Pedro’s replacement.

Ancelotti’s decision to summon Martinelli follows the confirmation from the Brazilian Football Confederation, which did not disclose the nature of Joao Pedro’s injury. Pedro had scored three goals in six appearances this season and was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August. He played the full 2-2 draw against Hull last weekend and scored in that match, with Chelsea yet to provide further details about his fitness.

Pedro’s selection for the current international window had been notable because it marked his return to Brazil’s setup after he was left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. His form at Chelsea was cited in discussions around that World Cup omission, but the injury has ended his involvement in the forthcoming friendlies.

Ancelotti has brought Martinelli into the squad as Pedro’s replacement; the Fluminense midfielder will be part of Brazil’s preparations for fixtures against Australia and India. Martinelli joins the squad group set to work under Ancelotti during the international window.

Brazil’s roster still contains several high-profile players, including Vinicius Junior and Endrick, whose stay in India could be short because of Real Madrid’s schedule. According to The Telegraph, Real Madrid are considering sending a chartered flight to Kolkata to return Vinicius and Endrick soon after the India match; Real Madrid are scheduled to face Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 10. The squad also includes Barcelona forward Raphinha, Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.

The India friendly at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3 is being billed as one of the biggest fixtures in recent Indian football, with several established stars still expected to feature for Brazil. India are scheduled to play Uruguay three days later, on October 6, with Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde expected to feature for the South American side.

Brazil travel to Kolkata for the October 3 friendly at Salt Lake Stadium; India then host Uruguay on October 6, with Federico Valverde expected to be involved for Uruguay.