The Chelsea midfielder joins Liverpool’s Philippe Countinho in the 23-man squad that will face Chile and Venezuela in October’s World Cup qualifiers
Chelsea midfielder Oscar will return to the Brazil squad for the October’s World Cup qualifiers, but former World Player of the Year Kaka has failed to make a squad that will also be missing captain Neymar.
Brazil begin their qualification campaign for Russia 2018 with a trip to Santiago to face reigning South American champions Chile before hosting Venezuela.
Barcelona forward Neymar is suspended for both matches after receiving a red card in Brazil’s Copa America group stage defeat to Colombia in June.
Midfielder Oscar has not appeared for his country since pulling out June’s Copa America squad through injury.
Orlando City star Kaka made a shock return to the Selecao for this month’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour victories over Costa Rica and USA, but has been left out in the cold despite Dunga’s insistence on brining more experience to the group.
Liverpool’s Philippe Countinho is back in the squad proper after he was originally left out of the group that travelled to the USA earlier this month, earning a return only after Oscar forced to withdraw because of fitness issues.
Filipe Luis, who also missed September’s squad through injury, is back at the expense of Atletico Mineiro’s Douglas Santos.
Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha returns to the international scence for the first time since March 2014, while Corinthians defender Gil come in to replace Arsenal’s Gabriel Paulista. Gil’s club-mate, Renato Augusto, has made the Selecao for the first time since 2011.
Paris Saint-German defenders David Luiz and Marquinhos were also included, while Thiago Silva was once again left out in the cold.
Brazil technical coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi also confirmed that former World Cup-winner Cafu will accompany the coaching staff as guest assistant for the two international dates.
Brazil squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Alisson (Internacional).
Defenders: David Luiz (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (PSG), Gil (Corinthians), Fabinho (Monaco), Rafinha (Bayern Munich), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Renato Augusto (Corinthians), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Lucas Lima (Santos), Lucas Moura (PSG), Willian (Chelsea), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Oscar (Chelsea).
Forwards: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Hulk (Zenit).