Brazil squad announced for South Africa and China friendlies

Corinthians goalkeeper Cássio and Santos midfielder Arouca have both been included for the first time, whilst Chelsea midfielder Ramires keeps his place after impressing in the Seleção's 3-0 win over Sweden earlier this month.

The one noteable absentee is Paulo Henrique Ganso, who Menezes feels must decide his club future in order to rediscover his top form. The 22-year-old playmaker has been strongly linked with a move away from Santos, with cross-town rivals São Paulo believed to be leading the race for his signature.

Brazil will first take on South Africa in São Paulo on September 7, before coming up against China three days later in Recife.

Brazil's 22-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Diego Alves (Valencia), Cássio (Corinthians)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Porto), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Adriano (Barcelona), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Réver (Atlético Mineiro), Dedé (Vasco)

Midfielders: Sandro (Tottenham), Lucas Moura (São Paulo), Romulo (Spartak Moscow), Ramires (Chelsea), Arouca (Santos), Paulinho (Corinthians), Oscar (Chelsea)

Forwards: Leandro Damião (Internacional), Neymar (Santos), Jonas (Valencia), Hulk (Porto)