Brazil call on domestic stars for Argentina games

Brazil coach Mano Menezes on Monday announced a 24-man squad composed entirely of domestic-based players for the two friendlies with Argentina on September 14 and 28.

Menezes included 10 uncapped players in his squad: Rafael (Santos), Mario Fernandes (Gremio), Casemiro (Sao Paulo), Romulo (Vasco da Gama), Oscar (Internacional), Bruno Cortes (Botafogo), Rhodolfo (Sao Paulo), Paulinho (Corinthians), Cicero (Sao Paulo) and Renato Abreu (Flamengo).

Flamengo playmaker Ronaldinho retained his place in the squad, after he made his return from a 10-month international absence in Monday's 1-0 friendly defeat of Ghana in London.

Santos star Ganso, forced off with a left thigh injury after 10 minutes of the Ghana game, was not included in the squad.

Brazil face old enemies Argentina in Cordoba on September 14 before the two sides resume hostilities two weeks later in Belem.

Brazil squad to play Argentina on September 14 and 28

Goalkeepers: Fabio (Cruzeiro), Rafael (Santos), Jefferson (Botafogo)

Defenders: Danilo (Santos), Mario Fernandes (Gremio), Bruno Cortes (Botafogo), Kleber (Internacional), Dede (Vasco da Gama), Rever (Atletico Mineiro), Rhodolfo (Sao Paulo), Henrique (Palmeiras)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Sao Paulo), Paulinho (Corinthians), Ralf (Corinthians), Romulo (Vasco da Gama), Cicero, Lucas (both Sao Paulo), Oscar (Internacional), Renato Abreu, Thiago Neves (both Flamengo)

Forwards: Fred (Fluminense), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Neymar (Santos), Ronaldinho (Flamengo)