Brazil coach Dunga brings back Neymar for World Cup qualifiers

RIO DE JANEIRO --

Barcelona star Neymar is back in Brazil's squad for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina and Peru in November.

He was absent in the first two games because of a four-match ban after being sent off in the Copa America, but was back in the squad called up on Thursday.

Coach Dunga is under heavy pressure by fans after a 2-0 loss against Chile in Santiago and an unconvincing 3-1 victory against Venezuela in Brazil's first two qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup.

The only new player on Dunga's list is Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio.

Brazil will play Argentina in Buenos Aires on Nov. 12 and then hosts Peru in Salvador, Brazil, on Nov. 17.

The Argentines have only one point in the World Cup qualifiers - including a 2-0 home loss to Ecuador. The Peruvians lost both of their first games.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Alisson (Internacional), Cassio (Corinthians)

Defenders: Danilo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), David Luiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Miranda (Inter Milan), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gil (Corinthians).

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Renato Augusto (Corinthians), Oscar (Chelsea), Lucas Lima (Santos), Willian (Chelsea), Kaka (Orlando City).

Forwards: Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Barcelona), Hulk (Zenit), Ricardo Oliveira (Santos).