On Wednesday, Brazil FA announced the official shirt numbers for the team’s upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile, in Santiago and Venezuela, in Fortaleza.
Captain Neymar is suspended for the two fixtures, and in his absence, the number 10 shirt has been handed to former World Cup winner and Orlando City star Kaká. The experienced playmaker was drafted into the squad by coach Dunga to replace Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho who was injured. However, Kaká should be in the substitutes bench when Brazil take on Chile on Thursday. Back to the Seleção after a long eight years, Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira was given the number 9 shirt, but the 35-year-old should also start from the bench with Hulk, wearing 21, expected to start.
Official numbers:
1. Jefferson
2. Fabinho
3. Miranda
4. David Luiz
5. Fernandinho
6. Marcelo
7. Douglas Costa
8. Elias
9. Ricardo Oliveira
10. Kaká
11. Oscar
12. Marcelo Gröhe
13. Marquinhos
14. Gil
15. Dani Alves
16. Filipe Luís
17. Luiz Gustavo
18. Renato Augusto
19. Willian
20. Lucas Lima
21. Hulk
22. Lucas Moura
23. Álisson