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Neymar returns for Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Argentina

Xinhua, October 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

Barcelona forward Neymar was Thursday recalled to Brazil's squad for the team's 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru next month.

But there was no place for Liverpool pair Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino amid doubts over their fitness.

Neymar missed Brazil's opening World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela earlier this month as he served the four-game international ban.

Selecao coach Dunga did not hide his delight at the return of his captain but warned the clash against Argentina would not be decided on talent alone.

"It's always a war against Argentina," Dunga told a press conference in Rio de Janeiro. "These are games that are decided by details. Each ball is vital and the next match is going to be no different. We have to be focused. Neymar increases our potential."

Coutinho and Firmino were both forced to withdraw from the matches against Chile and Venezuela. While Firmino remains sidelined with a back injury, Coutinho recovered from a groin problem to play 87 minutes in Liverpool's 0-0 draw at Tottenham on Saturday.

Dunga suggested the duo's omission may have been caused by a lack of communication.

"We are frequently in contact with all our players and they have to pass all the relevant information on to us," Dunga said. "We want direct contact so as not to make any mistakes.

"We have to have the information at the right time in order to make our decisions. When that is delayed by one or two days, it may be something that does not please everyone."

Brazil will play Argentina in Buenos Aires on Nov. 12 before hosting Peru in Salvador five days later.

Dunga's men are currently fifth in the 10-team South America zone standings while Argentina are seventh.

The top four finishers of the two-year qualifying campaign earn direct berths at the World Cup in Russia. The fifth-placed team will play off for a spot against the first-placed team from Oceania.

Following is the Brazilian 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). Endi