Barcelona striker Neymar is suspended for both matches and was left out, although an appeal is pending.
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World football’s governing body however says Neymar must purge his ban during Brazil’s next two worldwide matches. “We need to get behind the players we have”.
The Liverpool duo of Firmino and Coutinho have found a place in the Brazil team, with Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Chelsea’s Willian and Oscar have also been included in Dunga’s squad.
At least 10 players participated in the services, which were promoted by Kaka and David Luiz and officiated by Brazilian pastor Guilherme Batista following Brazil’s 4-1 friendly win over the United States.
Being the hosts in 2014 and hence absent from the qualifying stage for last year’s World Cup, Brazil are now preparing for their first CONMEBOL qualifiers since October 2009 when they faced Venezuela. There was a surprise or two in the squad with Corinthians pair Gil and Renato Augusto selected in the squad.
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Brazil, who have never failed to qualify for the finals, kick off their campaign away to Copa America champions Chile on October 8 and then face Venezuela in Fortaleza five days later.
