Dani Alves recalled to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

Rio De Janeiro: Brazil coach Dunga on Saturday called up Dani Alves for the team's opening 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela.

The 32-year-old replaces injured Monaco right-back Fabinho, Brazil's football confederation said in a statement.

Alves started on the bench before being introduced in the 60th minute of Barcelona's 2-1 loss at Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

His recall comes almost two weeks after Bayern Munich right-back Rafinha asked to be withdrawn from Brazil's squad amid suggestions the 30-year-old intends to change his allegiance to Germany.

Brazil will meet Chile in Santiago on Thursday before hosting Venezuela in Fortaleza five days later.