Brazil captain Silva ruled out of friendlies

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil captain Thiago Silva has been ruled out of the team`s upcoming international friendlies against South Africa and China with a thigh injury.

Brazil`s Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Friday the 27-year-old had failed to recover from a right quadriceps strain suffered during Brazil`s 3-0 victory over Sweden in Stockholm last month. The injury means Atletico Mineiro`s Rever and Vasco da Gama`s Dede will have the chance to partner David Luiz at the heart of Brazil`s defence. Mano Menezes` team will play South Africa in Sao Paulo Sep 7 followed by a duel against China in Recife three days later. Silva became the most expensive defender in history in July when he was bought by Paris Saint-Germain for 41 million euros from AC Milan. IANS