Liverpool pair Alisson and Roberto Firmino have been named in Brazil’s Copa America squad—but Fabinho has surprisingly missed out.
All three have regularly been involved with the Selecao over the last year or so, with Tite keeping a fairly steady selection process.
The 2019 Copa America takes place in Firmino and Co.’s home country this summer, with Brazil hosting the event which runs from mid-June to early July.
🇧🇷 | Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino have been named in the Brazil squad to represent the country in the Copa America, which will take place this summer. pic.twitter.com/rCfUxa4aVQ
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) May 17, 2019
Roberto Firmino faces his usual battle for a starting spot in attack, with Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison both seeing game time in Brazil’s recent fixtures. The Liverpool forward currently has nine international goals from 31 caps.
Alisson, meanwhile, remains first-choice goalkeeper for the national side and will look to add significantly to his 35 caps.
But there is no room for Fabinho, with Dani Alves and Fagner chosen as right-backs, and Fernandinho and Casemiro both selected as holding midfield options.
While a personal blow for the 25-year-old to not be involved, it will mean he has a full summer off to prepare for next season—and he’ll be in the Reds’ side right from day one next term, rather than watching on for a couple of months first, as was the case in 2018/19.
https://twitter.com/xabixabicool/status/1129408310107672576
Ex-Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is in the Brazil squad, as is rumoured forward target David Neres, currently with Ajax.
In total, the squad contains 12 players who Liverpool played against this season, either in the Premier League or Champions League.
Brazil are in Group A and face Bolivia (June 14), Venezuela (June 18) and Peru (June 22). The top two go through as well as the two best third-placed sides from the group stages, before the knock-outs start at the quarter-final stage on June 27.