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Midfielder Coutinho returns to Brazil squad for 2022 World Cup qualifiers

Due to a left knee ailment that required surgery twice, the 29-year-old has not played for the Selecao since October of last year. This season, he has only made seven starts for Barcelona in all competitions.

Midfielder Coutinho returns to Brazil squad for 2022 World Cup qualifiers

(Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

Philippe Coutinho, a Barcelona midfielder, has been recalled to Brazil’s national team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

Due to a left knee ailment that required surgery twice, the 29-year-old has not played for the Selecao since October of last year. This season, he has only made seven starts for Barcelona in all competitions.

“He’s a creative midfielder who’s finding his form,” Tite said during a news conference on Friday evening. After recuperating from a hamstring injury, Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino was also recalled to the team.

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Despite his good form for Real Madrid this season, 21-year-old forward Vinicius Junior was left out, according to Xinhua. Richarlison, an Everton attacker, was also left out as he works his way back to full fitness after a knee injury.

On November 11, Brazil will welcome Colombia in Sao Paulo before facing Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.

With 31 points from 11 games, the five-time World Cup winners presently lead the 10-team South American qualification group, six points ahead of Argentina in second place.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Emerson (Manchester City/ENG), Gabriel Chapeco (Gremio)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus/ITA), Emerson Royal (Tottenham/ENG), Alex Sandro (Juventus/ITA), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Eder Militao (Real Madrid/ESP), Lucas Verissimo (Benfica/POR), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Thiago Silva (Chelsea/ENG)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Fred (Manchester United/ENG), Fabinho (Liverpool/ENG), Gerson (Marseille/FRA), Lucas Paqueta (Lyon/FRA), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona/ESP)

Forwards: Antony (Ajax/HOL), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City/ENG), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Raphinha (Leeds United/ENG).

(With IANS inputs)

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