Ronaldinho left out of Brazil World Cup squad
Brazil's World Cup qualifying
highlights
Two-time world player of the year
Ronaldinho has been left out of Brazil's World Cup squad.
Rather
than go for an initial squad of 30 to be trimmed down to a final 23,
coach Dunga has announced a squad of 23, with seven stand-bys to be
added. That means the best Ronaldinho or fellow absentee Adriano could hope for is to be an injury replacement.
Ronaldinho last played for Brazil in April 2009 but a decent season with AC Milan had raised hopes of a recall.
Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is the only player in the squad currently playing in England.
Other players with English links include former Arsenal midfielders Gilberto Silva and Julio Baptista, former Manchester United player Kleberson, and Manchester City striker Robinho, who has been playing for Santos after joining them on a six-month loan deal in January.
Brazil, who are seeking a sixth World Cup triumph, line up in Group H alongside Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea.
Brazil squad: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg).
Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsburg).