23 October, 2015
Neymar has been recalled for Brazil's 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru next month after sitting out the last four competitive games through suspension but there is no place for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.
He was dropped in August for the friendly fixtures, but injuries to Chelsea star duo of Oscar and Ramires forced the manager to recall the 23-year-old midfielder. Both Coutinho and Firmino were therefore part of the Copa America squad during the last summer tournament but have since struggled to feature in Dunga's plans due to injuries and for tactical reasons. "If the guy comes in, sits down and plays well he will remain in the squad", he told reporters.
The only new player on Dunga's list is Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio.
Coutinho's club teammate Roberto Firmino, who returned to the Liverpool's matchday squad for a Europa League game against Rubin Kazan on Thursday, also missed out after spending a month out of action with a back injury.
"We have to play smart, fully aware that every play, every tackle, could be decisive".
"We talked with him for half-an-hour and he was back in training", said the Brazil boss.
Attacking midfielders Lucas, of Paris St. Germain, and Philippe Coutinho, of Liverpool, drop out of the 23-man squad.
Brazil face Argentina and Peru in space of five days on 12 and 17 November respectively.