Bernard included in Brazil squad for Argentina games

With the squad selected only from those players currently based in Brazil, the coach has taken the opportunity to reward some of the country's top domestic performers with a call-up.

Of those selected, the likes of Corinthians enforcer Ralf, young Grêmio midfielder Fernando, Atlético Mineiro's mercurial midfielder Bernard and Fluminense forward Wellington Nem will be looking to force their way into the regular national team set-up.

Bernard will now likely compete with Jadson and Thiago Neves for the No. 10 role, with Paulo Henrique Ganso once more sidelined through injury and Ronaldinho a notable omission.

Others who missed out on selection include the São Paulo duo of Casemiro and Bruno Cortez, both of whom have paid the price for the club's indifferent league form, as well as their own lack of consistency.

The opening match, on September 20, could mark the return of Luis Fabiano to a Brazil shirt, with the experienced forward having been out of contention since the 2010 World Cup following a string of injury problems.

Goalkeepers: Cássio (Corinthians), Jefferson (Botafogo)

Defenders: Carlinhos (Fluminense), Marcos Rocha (Atlético-MG), Fábio Santos (Corinthians), Lucas (Botafogo), Dedé (Vasco), Rhodolfo (São Paulo), Réver (Atlético-MG)

Midfielders: Arouca (Santos), Bernard (Atlético-MG), Fernando (Grêmio), Jadson (São Paulo), Lucas (São Paulo), Paulinho (Corinthians), Ralf (Corinthians), Thiago Neves (Fluminense)

Forwards: Leandro Damião (Internacional), Luis Fabiano (São Paulo), Neymar (Santos), Welington Nem (Fluminense)