Chelsea's Oscar and Ramires cut from Brazil squad

Following the lacklustre performance in Copa América in June this year, Brazil national team head coach Dunga wants to prove his doubters wrong in a set of friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States on September 5th and 8th, respectively. Dunga was counting on having Ramires and Oscar to help him -- the latter was sorely missed by his side in the continental competition due to his understanding with Neymar from past Seleção performances. Unfortunately, after getting called-up a couple weeks ago, both Chelsea players are now set to miss the friendlies after picking up injuries.

In their place, Dunga decided to call on Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Barcelona's Rafael Alcântara (brother of Thiago Alcântara who's a Spanish international). Philippe Coutinho's absence from the original call-up raised questions within the Brazilian media, with some claiming that he missed his spot due to Kaká's profile in the American market. Meanwhile, Rafael Alcântara will have the chance of earning his first cap for Brazil.

After the changes, Willian will be Chelsea's only presence in the Seleção. This is how Brazil's squad looks like with the changes included:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Grêmio), Alisson (Internacional)

Defenders: David Luiz (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Inter Milan), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Filipe Luis (Atlético Madrid), Danilo (Real Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atlético Mineiro)

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Rafael Alcântara (Barcelona), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Willian (Chelsea), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Kaká (Orlando City), Lucas Lima (Santos)

Forwards: Neymar (Barcelona), Lucas (PSG), Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich)