Vinicius Junior left out of Brazil squad as Coutinho earns recall
October 29, 2021 22:28 MYT
Vinicius Junior has been left out of Brazil's squad for November's double-header of World Cup qualifiers, despite impressing for Real Madrid with his recent form.
The 21-year-old has seven goals and three assists in 13 appearances for Madrid this season, including an incredible solo strike in last week's 5-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Vinicius' 10 direct goal involvements is the most of any Brazilian player from Europe's top five leagues, but he is not part of Tite's plans for the games with Colombia and Argentina.
Tite has instead recalled Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who has one goal and zero assists across 10 outings in all competitions this season.
The most recent of Coutinho's 63 caps for his country came against Peru in October 2020.
Leeds United winger Raphinha and Ajax prodigy Antony are also part of the Selecao's 23-man group.
CONVOCAÇÃO DA SELEÇÃO Meias: Gerson - @OM_Officiel Lucas Paquetá - @OL Philippe Coutinho - @FCBarcelona #Eliminatórias pic.twitter.com/pPhE5ElRkN
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) October 29, 2021
Fabinho is one of three Liverpool players to have been called, along with Roberto Firmino and Alisson, despite Jurgen Klopp saying on Friday he is "concerned" about a knee injury that will keep the midfielder out for a third game running this weekend.
Brazil have won 10 and drawn one of their opening 11 CONMEBOL qualifiers and lead the way at the top of the standings, with their place at Qatar 2022 potentially being confirmed next month.