Manchester United duo Alex Telles and Fred have been named in the Brazil squad for their clashes with South Korea, Japan and Argentina next month.
The five-time World Cup winners, who will be hoping to win their first World Cup crown since 2002 when they arrive in Qatar later this year, will fulfil three fixtures next month ahead of the tournament getting started in November. They will lock horns with South Korea on Thursday, June 2 before facing Japan a few days later on Monday, June 6. They will then face Argentina on Saturday, June 11.
Both Brazil and Argentina went toe to toe in a 2022 World Cup qualifier back in September last year but it was abandoned just minutes after kick-off, when Brazilian health officials entered the pitch to stop Argentina's players who play in England from playing. It sparked bizarre and memorable scenes, unlike anything that has ever been witnessed before.
They claimed that they had breached Covid-19 regulations that were in force at the time. Despite the fixture not being concluded, both countries have qualified for the tournament later this year.
A statement released by FIFA earlier this week said: "After analysing the submissions of both parties and considering all circumstances of the case, the Appeal Committee confirmed that the match would be replayed. [FIFA] also upheld the fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (£40,842) that was imposed on both associations as a result of the abandonment."
As far as the squad selection is concerned, United duo Telles and Fred have been included in manager Tite's plans. Fred has been one of United's better players in recent months, whereas Telles, formerly of Porto, has attracted plenty of criticism.
With Luke Shaw sidelined through injury, the left-back, who will turn 30 just three days before the World Cup final in December, has been installed as Ralf Rangnick's first-choice option on the left of the back-four. However, he has struggled for form and was heavily criticised following Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Brighton.
He has racked up 25 appearances for United this season, netting one goal. Fred, meanwhile, has made 35 appearances this term, scoring four goals and claiming six assists. Both players will use Brazil's June triple-header to try and force their way into the squad for the World Cup.
Several other Premier League stars have also been included in the squad, such as Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Ederson of Manchester City, Chelsea ace Thiago Silva and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United, amongst others.
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