Kaka recalled to Brazil squad

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former FIFA world player of the year winner Kaka has been recalled to Brazil's national team for September friendlies against Costa Rica and the USA.

MLS All Stars midfielder and game MVP award winner Kaka (22) of Orlando City SC speaks to media at a press conference after the MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. MLS All Stars defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.  [Photo/Agencies]

Chelsea midfielder Oscar and Zenit Saint-Petersburg striker Hulk also returned but there was no place for former captain Thiago Silva and Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Kaka, 33, has made just seven international appearances since 2010 and was left out of Brazil's squad for the 2015 Copa America and 2014 World Cup.

He has scored 10 goals and made four assists in 21 matches for US Major League outfit Orlando City this year.

Brazil coach Dunga also recalled Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lucas Moura and named uncapped trio Lucas Lima, Alisson and Douglas Santos.

"We need to mix the national team with experience and youth," Dunga said during a press conference on Thursday.

"We evaluated some players during the Copa America and now it's time to look at others. We welcome players who have had experience, because of what they bring to the team, but we also need the exuberance of youth."

Brazil will play Costa Rica in New Jersey on September 5 and the USA in Foxborough, Massachusetts, three days later.

The matches will be Brazil's first since their Copa America quarterfinal defeat to Paraguay in June.

It will be Dunga's last chance to experiment with this squad before the 2018 World Cup qualifiers begin in October. Brazil's first qualifying match will be against Copa America winners Chile at Santiago's Estadio Nacional.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson, Marcelo Grohe, Alisson

Defenders: David Luiz, Marquinhos, Miranda, Gabriel Paulista, Daniel Alves, Filipe Luiz, Danilo, Douglas Santos

Midfielders: Luis Gustavo, Fernandinho, Elias, Ramirez, Oscar, Firmino, Willian, Lucas Lima, Neymar

Forwards: Kaka, Lucas, Hulk, Douglas Costa