Brazil's Philippe Coutinho celebrates after scoring against Panama during a U-20 World Cup group E soccer match in Barranquilla, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Philippe Coutinho called up to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers in September

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has been named in Tite’s first squad for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia.

Brazil are set for their first clashes under the 55-year-old next month, after the departure of Dunga following an ill-fated Copa America campaign in June.

Tite, previously manager of Corinthians, will be hoping to lead Brazil to their 21st World Cup, set to take place in Russia in 2018.

This will see Brazil take on Ecuador at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa in Quito on September 1, and then Colombia at Manaus’ Amazon Arena on September 6.

Coutinho, who was arguably Brazil’s star performer at the Copa America, will hope to play a starring role.

The 24-year-old is one of just two Premier League players to be named in Tite’s squad, along with Chelsea midfielder Willian, with Reds team-mate Roberto Firmino left out.

Soon-to-be Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is also named, with the 19-year-old poised to join Pep Guardiola’s side in January.

Olympic gold medallists Marquinhos and Neymar are among those included, along with the likes of Dani Alves, Filipe Luis, Paulinho and Casemiro.

Brazil’s international commitments could see Coutinho return late for preparations for the Reds’ first home game of the 2016/17 campaign.

Liverpool will host reigning champions Leicester City at Anfield on September 10, just four days after the Selecao take on Colombia, after a summer of redevelopment on Merseyside.

Jurgen Klopp is likely to see a host of his key players embark on international duty in September, perhaps most notably as Sam Allardyce names his first England squad.

Nathaniel Clyne, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings could all be considered, though James Milner has recently announced his retirement from the Three Lions.



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