Luiz returns to Brazil squad

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil coach Tite on Friday recalled Chelsea defender David Luiz (pic) to his squad for two upcoming friendlies despite his team having secured nine wins in nine games without him.

Chelsea defender last played for Brazil in March 2016 when Dunga was still at the helm and he was blamed for two errors in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.

Brazil have two upcoming friendlies in Melbourne against Argentina and Australia June 9 and 13.

The first side to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Brazil go Down Under resting several top players.

Barcelona star and Brazil captain Neymar is left out while Champions League finalists Marcelo and Casemiro of Real Madrid and Juventus defender Daniel Alves are also absent.

SQUAD — Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Valencia), Weverton (Atletico Paranaense), Ederson (Benfica); Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea), Gil (Shandong Luneng), Jemerson (Monaco), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Thiago Silva (PSG), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Fagner (Corinthians), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Rafinha (Bayern Munich); Midfielders: Fernandinho (Man City), Giuliano (Zenit), Lucas Lima (Santos), Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Rodriguinho (Corinthians), Willian (Chelsea); Strikers: Diego Souza (Sport Recife), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk). AFP