Silva (right) has been suffering from a knee issue since mid-April. ― Reuters pic
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 17 — Hosts Brazil included injured defender Thiago Silva in their squad for the Copa America, coach Tite announced today.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Silva, 34, has been suffering from a knee issue since mid-April but Brazil’s physio Fabio Mahseredjian said the former captain could be in a “good condition” by May 28.
The world’s most expensive player Neymar was also included having returned from more than two months on the sidelines with a foot problem.
There was no space for Tottenham’s Champions League hero Lucas Moura despite his hat-trick in last week’s semi-final second leg against Ajax nor for Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior.
Everton winger Richarlison is included in the 23-man group after an impressive season in the English top flight.
The eight-time winners face Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in the group stage, which start on June 14, after two friendlies against Qatar and Honduras.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG), Cassio (Corinthians)
Defenders: Dani Alves (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Fagner (Corinthians), Alex Sandro (Juventus/ITA), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Miranda (Inter Milan/ITA), Eder Militao (Porto/POR)
Midfielders: Casmeiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ESP), Arthur (Barcelona/ESP), Allan (Napoli/ITA)
Forwards: Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan/ITA), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona/ESP), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Everton (Gremio), David Neres (Ajax/NED), Richarlison (Everton/ENG), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City, ENG) — AFP
