Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been left out of the latest Brazil squad but there is a place for uncapped Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista, Mirror Sport reports.
The Reds attacking midfielder’s exclusion comes as a big surprise as he was included in national team manager Dunga’s squad for the Copa America tournament earlier in the summer, however, the 23-year-old has now been dropped in favour of former AC Milan and Real Madrid star Kaka.
Dunga provided reasons as to why he chose to snub Coutinho for his first post-Copa America squad since Brazil crashed out of the competition on penalties to Paraguay at the quarter-final stage:
“We need experience, not just youngsters,” he revealed.
Coutinho, who scored the winner for Liverpool against Stoke City last weekend, is the highest profile English-based absentee from the squad as his new teammate at Anfield Roberto Firmino is included alongside Chelsea trio Ramires, Oscar and Willian.
SEE ALSO:
Arsenal INJURY BLOW as treatment room begins to fill up
Serie A side reignite interest in Liverpool FLOP Mario Balotelli
Manchester United and Liverpool stars set to join Premier League outfit
The selecao face friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States next month as they prepare to begin their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign in October.