Danilo, Fagner named in Brazil's 23-man World Cup squad

IANS  |  Rio de Janeiro 

and Fagner were selected to replace injured right-back as announced his 23-man squad for the in

As expected, forward was included as he completes the final stage of his recovery from a while Shakhtar Donetsk pair and Taison were among few surprises, reports

team doctor said is making "great progress" after undergoing to repair a broken metatarsal in early March.

"We are observing him closely," Lasmar told a press conference in "He will start training progressively. He can now begin training with the ball and we expect him to participate in our (pre-World Cup) friendlies."

Alves was ruled out of the June 14-July 15 tournament last week after suffering a in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 French Cup final victory over Les Herbiers.

Manchester City's Danilo, who didn't play a single minute in Brazil's 18-match qualifying campaign, and Fagner, who is recovering from a thigh injury, were chosen ahead of Bayern Munich's for the right-back role.

"Dani is a and we are going to miss him, but we have other options," said.

The 56-year-old admitted that some of the players chosen -- such as Fagner and Taison -- were favoured by having played under him at club level.

"I think it had an impact but I also know how to evaluate other points - whether they are technical, physical, emotional or tactical -- to make a fair judgement," he said. "And sometimes it goes beyond numbers, it has to do with feeling..."

will begin their campaign against on June 17 and will also meet and in the group stage.

The Selecao will prepare for the tournament with friendlies against and on June 3 and 10, respectively.

accepted that his team would be among the frontrunners to win football's flagship event for a sixth time.

"Brazil are one of the favourites because of the we have played, our consistency, our aggressiveness, our goals and our quick transitional play," he said.

The former Corinthians tactician revealed he is yet to decide who will start in central defence, with one of Thiago Silva, Miranda and Marquinhos expected to be relegated to the bench.

Likewise, Brazil's coaching staff is mulling over whether to use FC Barcelona's on the left or in a central midfield role.

One certainty is that Manchester City's will begin the tournament as the team's central striker ahead of Liverpool's

"At first, is our starter. But will fight for that position in top form," Tite said. "The challenge is open on the right back, but has some advantage now because he has performed well recently."

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Roma), Cassio (Corinthians), Ederson (Manchester City)

Defenders: (Manchester City), Geromel (Gremio), Filipe Luis (Atletico Mineiro) Marcelo (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Internazionale), Fagner (Corinthians), (PSG).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho (Manchester City), (Shakhtar Donetsk), Paulinho (Barcelona), (Barcelona), (Beijing Guoan), Willian (Chelsea)

Forwards: Douglas Costa (Juventus), Firmino (Liverpool), (Manchester City), (Barcelona), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk).

--IANS

pur/mr

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First Published: Tue, May 15 2018. 13:28 IST