Rio de Janeiro: Cheslea mid-fielder Ramires is the latest player to be axed from Brazil`s squad to face Italy in Geneva Thursday due to injury.
Ramires suffered a strained right adductor during Chelsea`s 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham on Sunday. He is also in doubt for Brazil`s fixture against Russia at Stamford Bridge on March 25.
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has already had to rule out Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas (ankle injury) and Paulinho (thigh injury) for the international friendlies.
Doubt also surrounds the fitness of in-form Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who was forced off with an ankle problem during his team`s 2-0 away victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday.
Scolari, who chose a 23-man squad for the friendlies, is not expected to name any replacements for the injured players.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 14:47