Liverpool`s Lucas handed Brazil recall

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recalled Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva for next month`s friendlies against South Korea and Zambia.

Lucas has not played for the Selecao since their 2-0 victory over Egypt in November 2011, reports Xinhua. "Today the feeling is like when I got my first call up to play for Brazil. I can`t put into words how good I am feeling. Now that I have been called up, my dream is to be a part of the World Cup in Brazil," the 26-year-old said. Brazil will play South Korea in Seoul Oct 12 and Zambia in Beijing three days later. Cruzeiro centre-back Dede was also named, replacing captain Thiago Silva, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Botafogo goalkeeper Jefferson is likely to be Scolari`s first choice in goal following a hand injury to Queens Park Rangers stopper Julio Cesar. Fluminense forward Fred was not included due to an injured right thigh, meaning Alexandre Pato and Jo will contest the only centre-forward spot in Scolari`s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. The squad: Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense). Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), David Luiz (Chelsea), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Palmeiras), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain), Dede (Cruzeiro). Midfielders: Ramires (Chelsea), Lucas Moura (Paris Saint-Germain), Oscar (Chelsea), Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Hernanes (Lazio), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Luiz Gustavo (VfL Wolfsburg), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk). Forwards: Neymar (Barcelona), Hulk (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Alexandre Pato (Corinthians), Jo (Atletico Mineiro). IANS