Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho earns Brazil recall

Paulinho (L) of China's Guangzhou Evergrande celebrates with teammate Zou Zheng after scoring against Mexico's Club America during their Club World Cup quarter-final soccer match in Osaka, western Japan, December 13, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho has been recalled to Brazil's squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia next month.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player has not represented the Selecao since the 2014 World Cup, but has impressed new national coach Tite with his form for the Chinese Super League outfit this year.

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has also returned after being overlooked for the centenary edition of the Copa America in June.

Other China-based players named were Gil (Shandong Luneng) and Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan).

As expected, the 23-man squad includes Barcelona forward Neymar, Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho and new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus.

Tite replaced Dunga as Brazil's national coach in June after the team's group-stage elimination from the Copa America.

Brazil will play Ecuador in Quito on September 1 followed by a clash with Colombia in Manaus five days later.

The Selecao are currently sixth in the South American zone qualifying standings for 2018 World Cup in Russia. The top four teams will book a direct berth in the tournament while the fifth-ranked side will earn a playoff spot.