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Published: Friday August 21, 2009 MYT 12:16:00 PM

Adriano back in Brazil squad for W.Cup qualifiers

SAO PAULO: Adriano is back in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Chile.

Brazil, which leads the South American qualifying group, plays at Argentina in Rosario on Sept. 5 and hosts Chile four days later in Salvador.

Adriano hadn’t been summoned by coach Dunga since he abandoned Inter Milan in April after saying he was unhappy in Italy. He failed to rejoin the Italian club after Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Peru, which was the last time he was in Brazil colours.

He missed out on the Confederations Cup in South Africa, and the last time Adriano played for Brazil was in the 2-0 win over Italy in a friendly in February. Now with Flamengo, Adriano is one of the Brazilian league’s leading scorers with 10 goals.

“Adriano is happy again playing football,” Dunga said. “He had some problems at the club level but now is regaining his form. He is playing well with Flamengo and will get another opportunity in the national team.”

Adriano represented Brazil at the 2006 World Cup, where it was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. He will fight for a starting spot in Dunga’s team with Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano, who has 17 goals in 20 matches.

In addition to Adriano, Dunga summoned most of the players who helped Brazil win its third straight Confederations Cup in June.

The only additions are left back Filipe of Spain’s La Coruna, and defensive midfielder Lucas of Liverpool. Lucas will replace Kleberson, who seriously injured his shoulder in the 1-0 win at Estonia this month.

Not in the 22-man squad again were AC Milan’s Ronaldinho and Corinthians’ Ronaldo, who was recovering from a broken hand.

Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Inter Milan defender Lucio, Real Madrid midfielder Kaka and Manchester City striker Robinho have their spots secured.

Brazil leads the South American qualifying with 27 points, one more than Chile and three more than Paraguay. Argentina is fourth with 22 points. The top four nations automatically secure a spot in next year’s World Cup in South Africa. - AP The squad: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Vitor (Gremio).

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Filipe (La Coruna), Lucio (Inter Milan), Miranda (Sao Paulo), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica).

Midfielders: Elano (Manchester City), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Lucas (Liverpool), Ramires (Cruzeiro).

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Adriano (Flamengo), Robinho (Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal).

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