Despite previously being overlooked by national team coach Dunga, the Liverpool and Barcelona stars have been selected after Oscar and Ramires dropped out due to injury
Philippe Coutinho and Rafinha have been called into the Brazil squad in place of Oscar and Ramires after the Chelsea duo dropped out due to injury.
Dunga’s men are set to face Costa Rica on September 5 and the United States three days later, but will do so without both Blues stars, with the Liverpool and Barcelona midfielders called up in their stead.
Dunga initially omitted Coutinho when he selected his squad, a decision Brendan Rodgers described as “unbelievable”, but he will now join his club-mate Roberto Firmino in the selection.
Rafinha – who has played for Spain up to Under-19 level, but, unlike brother Thiago, has since snubbed la Roja – has yet to make his debut for Brazil, but could do so in the two fixtures, the last of which falls just four days before Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United.
Brazil have struggled with injuries in recent days, and Fabinho was called into the squad to replace Dani Alves on Wednesday after the Barcelona full-back withdrew.