SAO PAULO: Brazil coach Tite has called up uncapped pair Wendell and Rafael Carioca to replace injured Real Madrid duo Marcelo and Casemiro for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Venezuela.
Marcelo has a calf injury while Casemiro suffered a leg fracture that will see him out for up to a month.
Marcelo is replaced by Bayer Leverkusen left-back Wendell, 23, with Atletico Mineiro midfielder Rafael Carioca, 27, taking Casemiro’s place, the
Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.
“It’s the biggest thing for me. Every Brazilian dreams of being allowed to play for the Selecao,” said Wendell, ahead of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash at Monaco on Tuesday.
Brazil host Bolivia on October 6 before travelling to Venezuela four days later.
The Selecao currently sit second in the South American qualifying group, one point behind leaders Uruguay.
Only the top four CONMEBOL finishers in the 10-team group earn an automatic place at Russia 2018.
