05.10.2014 22:16 h

Romulo, Kaka return to Brazil squad

Kaká
Kaká

Spartak Moscow midfielder Romulo and Sao Paulo attacking midfielder Kaka were both called up on Sunday by Brazil coach Dunga for international friendlies this month against Argentina and Japan.

Romulo, 24, will replace Fernandinho who suffered concussion playing for Manchester City in their 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Capped six times, Romulo was first called up by former Brazil coach Mano Menezes in September 2011 against Argentina but has been overlooked since 2012.

Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, returns after an 18-month absence, as he fills for Ricardo Goulart who was injured training for Cruzeiro on Friday.

Former Real Madrid and AC Milan player Kaka, who is on loan at Sao Paulo from MLS side Orlando City, last played for Brazil in March 2013.

The 32-year-old has 87 caps for Brazil, scoring 29 goals, since his debut in January 2002.

Dunga also opted to replace Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, who picked up a thigh injury during their 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona, by Inter Milan defender Juan.

Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by eventual winners Germany in the semi-finals at the World Cup at home in July, and finished fourth.

Brazil will play their friendlies on October 11 and 14 in Beijing and Singapore, first against World Cup runners-up Argentina followed by Japan.

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Rafael (Napoli/ITA), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio)

Defenders: David Luiz (Paris SG/FRA), Juan (Inter Milan/ITA), Gil (Corinthians), Miranda (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Filipe Luis (Chelsea/ENG), Danilo (FC Porto/POR), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Dodo (Inter Milan/ITA)

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg/GER), Elias (Corinthians), Romulo (Spartak Moscow/RUS), Souza (Sao Paulo), Everton Ribeiro (Cruzeiro), Willian (Chelsea/ENG), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool/ENG), Oscar (Chelsea/ENG), Kaka (Sao Paulo)

Strikers: Neymar (Barcelona/ESP), Diego Tardelli (Atletico Mineiro), Robinho (Santos)