In this photo from February 11, 2023, Neymar of PSG goes for the ball during the match against Monaco in the French championship. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s interim coach Ramon Menezes has dropped Neymar and Alisson from the squad that will play the friendly match against Morocco on March 25 in Taniger.

Brazil will play their first encounter since Croatia knocked them out in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in December.

Neymar was injured in a French league game last month. Menezes, who previously managed the Brazil Under-20s, gave no reasons why goalkeeper Alisson was out but said he wanted to give new players a chance.

Menezes included several Under-20 players, who won the South American Championship in February.

The Brazilian Football Confederation continues to search for a permanent replacement for Tite, who left the team after being eliminated by Croatia.

Confederation President Ednaldo Rodrigues denied in February having held talks with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Here is the team list:

ARCHERS

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

DEFENDERS

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

WHEELS

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

FACADES

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

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