Soccer

Kaká included; Ronaldinho omitted from Brazil squad

Kaká has been included in a Scolari Brazil squad for the first time since the coach’s return, though Ronaldinho has been left out for the friendlies against Italy and Russia

by Jack Sargeant

Mar 18, 2013, 5:54 PM UTC

Matthias Kern

Kaká had been absent from Brazil's 2-1 friendly defeat to England at Wembley last month, though has been recalled. That's despite him being mostly a benchwarmer for José Mourinho at Real Madrid this season, starting only six league games.

While Kaká has been recalled, Ronaldinho has been omitted after playing against England, failing to impress sufficiently to warrant a second consecutive call-up for the friendlies against Italy and Russia on Thursday and Monday respectively.

Corinthians midfielder Paulinho has been ruled out with a thigh injury, though no replacement has been called by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Here’s the full squad:

Goalkeepers: Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense), Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Dante (Bayern Munich), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dedé (Vasco), Filipe Luís (Atlético Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders: Fernando (Grêmio), Hernanes (Lazio), Jean (Fluminese), Kaká (Real Madrid), Lucas (Paris Saint-Germain), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Oscar (Chelsea), Ramires (Chelsea)

Forwards: Diego Costa (Atlético Madrid) Fred (Fluminense), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Neymar (Santos)

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