Coutinho in Brazil squad for friendlies; Robinho, Marcelo return
Liverpool winger Philippe Coutinho is among five Premier League players named in the Brazil national squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Chile.
Coutinho made his Brazil debut against Iran in 2010, but did not feature again until last August when he was recalled to the national side in the wake of the 7-1 World Cup semi-final humiliation against Germany.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form this season and scored a late winner in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City last weekend.
City midfielder Fernandinho is also included in Dunga's Brazil squad as well as Chelsea trio Oscar, Willian and Filipe Luis.
Robinho and Marcelo are also back in the squad after they were left out of the friendlies against Turkey and Austria in November. Robinho was playing with Santos in the final stages of the Brazilian league.
Brazil play France at the Stade de France on March 26 before hosting Chile at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on March 29.
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Jefferson, Diego Alves, Marcelo Groeh. Defenders: David Luiz, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Danilo, Fabinho, Marcelo. Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho, Elias, Souza, Oscar, Willian, Douglas Costa, Philippe Coutinho. Forwards: Neymar, Robinho, Roberto Firmino, Diego Tardelli.
Associated Press material was used in this report.
