Alves recalled to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

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His recall comes almost two weeks after Bayern Munich right-back Rafinha asked to be withdrawn from Brazil’s squad amid suggestions the 30-year-old intends to change his allegiance to Germany.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