Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva has been named in Brazil’s squad to face the Republic of Ireland in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on March 2nd.
The midfielder will of course be in action at the Emirates when his side face Arsenal on Wednesday night and the news of his recall will provide confidence for him ahead of the World Cup this summer.
An interesting omission from coach Dunga’s squad is AC Milan’s Ronaldinho, who has been pushing for a recall but now looks doubtful for the South American’s squad this summer in South Africa.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez praised his Brazilian midfielder following the Merseyside derby win. “Lucas is a very good player,” Benitez said. “His teammates know it and now the fans are starting to realise it too.
“If you analyse the history of the club you will find players that have perhaps had bad times. But Lucas is the kind of player that has character. The fans realise that this is what they want to see from their players.”
Brazil Squad v Republic of Ireland
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma).
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Juan (Roma), Lucio (Inter Milan), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan).
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Lucas (Liverpool), Kaka (Real Madrid), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo).
Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Seville).
Tickets for this match are on sale here.
