Neymar-less Brazil include several fresh faces for first match since World Cup

Since elimination from the Qatar World Cup quarterfinals by Croatia in December, Brazil are scheduled for a friendly against Morocco on March 25 and the Selecao interim coach Ramon Menezes included several rising stars from the youth team as he announced the squad on Friday.   

However, Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar -- who got injured in a French league encounter -- will not be featuring for the five-time world champions against Morocco, who enjoyed a stellar run at Qatar World Cup on their way to the semifinals.

Menezes -- who also coached Brazil's under-20 team in South American Championship in February to win the trophy and assumed role at the helm after coach Tite resigned following Croatia defeat -- chose to give exposure to the promising prospects -- five from the aforementioned U-20 side, amounting to nine players who got their maiden national call-ups -- alongside the familiar ones in the 23-member squad. 

Apart from Neymar, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Thiago Silva, forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Raphinha are among the 16 absentees from Brazil's World Cup squad. 

BRAZIL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City), Mycael (Athletico Paranaense), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Arthur (América), Emerson Royal (Tottenham), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Renan Lodi (Nottingham Forest), Ibañez (Roma), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Robert Renan (Zenit)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Andrey Santos (Vasco da Gama), André (Fluminense), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras)

Forwards: Antony (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Rony (Palmeiras), Vitor Roque (Athletico Paranaense).