Vinicius Jr, Joelinton in Brazil Squad for June Friendlies

The matches against the two African nations are a part of Brazil’s anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius Jr., 22, who last week was subjected to racial taunts from fans, making it the tenth time this season that he has received such treatment in LaLiga.

Following racial abuse during a match at Valencia earlier this month, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was one of 23 players named to Brazil’s squad on Sunday for friendlies against Guinea and Senegal. This is his first call up to the national team.

The matches against the two African nations are a part of Brazil’s anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius Jr., a 22-year-old who last week was subjected to racial taunts from fans, the 10th time this LaLiga season that he has been abused.

On June 17 in Barcelona, Brazil, a five-time world champion, will play Guinea, and three days later in Lisbon, Senegal.

Four players, including Joelinton of Newcastle United, were called up for the first time in the roster unveiled by interim Brazil manager Ramon Menezes.

“There is always room in the national team for players performing well,” Menezes spoke at a press conference. He is the head coach of the Under-20 team competing in the World Cup in Argentina.

“However, you’ll see that there are players in every position who competed at the World Cup, which is crucial because they can support those who are receiving their first call-up.”

The other newcomers called up are the defenders Vanderson, Nino, and Ayrton Lucas.

Since Tite quit leading the nation’s team after the World Cup, Menezes has served as interim manager. Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti has been coveted by the Brazilian FA to fill the position, but the Italian has stated he will uphold his club contract’s final year.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Ibanez (Roma), Nino (Fluminense)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton (both Newcastle United), Andre (Fluminense), Casemiro (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras)

Reference: indianexpress.com