Dani Alves returns to Brazil squad, Neymar out

Brazil coach Tito has announced a 26-member squad for the next two matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Where 38-year-old star defender Dani Alves got the chance. However, Neymar Jr. is not in the team due to injury.

The Brazil coach did not make much change in the squad for the two matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. Notable among those dropped was Renan Lodi. He was not included in the team because he had not been vaccinated with two doses of coronavirus.

Lucas Pakueta and Fabinho will not be able to play the match against Ecuador due to the ban even though they are in the 26-man squad. Attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who recently signed for Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona, has been named in the squad.

Brazil has been the first to secure a ticket to the main event in the Latin World Cup qualifiers. So far, they are at the top with 11 wins in 13 matches and 35 points in two draws. Argentina has 29 points from 13 matches.

Brazil will play against Ecuador on January 27 (Thursday) at 3 pm Bangladesh time. They will face Paraguay on February 2 at 6:30 am.

Brazil Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alison Baker (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Waverton (Palmeiras).

Defenders: Emerson Royal (Tottenham Hotspur), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Tales (Manchester United), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel (Arsenal), Thiago (Thiago) .

Midfielders: Casimiro (Real Madrid), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Gerson (Marseille), Lucas Pakueta (Olympic Lyon), Philippe Coutinho (Aston Villa), Bruno Guimares (Leo)

Forwards: Rafinha (Leeds United), Anthony (Ajax), Rodrigo (Real Madrid), Evertobe Ribeiro (Flamengo), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Matthews Cunha (Atletico Madrid), Gabio (Gabi).