Vinicius returns to Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior will be back with Brazil's national team for two friendlies in Asia in October.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro for the matches against South Korea and Japan.

Star striker Neymar was excluded because of another injury - this time in his left thigh.

Vinicius did not play in Brazil's last two matches of South American World Cup qualifying in September.

Also missing due to injuries are Barcelona's Raphinha, Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos, and Liverpool's Alisson.

The first friendly is in Seoul on Oct. 10, and four days later in Tokyo.

Brazil squad

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Vanderson (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Beraldo (Paris Saint Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton (both Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), and Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

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