Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers next month and been replaced with ex-Milan forward, now 35 year old Ricardo Oliviera.
Firmino was substituted and an awkward fall during Liverpool’s League Cup penalty shoot-out win over Carlisle United last Wednesday.
The 23 year old was due to be amongst the squad to face Chile and Venezuela in October but his injury against the League One side has sidelined the striker just as he was trying to find his feet in England.
However coach Dunga has announced the replacement, as he hopes to maintain their record of never failing to qualify for a World Cup;
“Ricardo Oliveira, the top goalscorer in the Brazilian league with 17 goals, was called up by Brazil coach Dunga,” the CBF said in a statement.
“The Santos striker will take the place of Liverpool striker Firmino, who was released because of injury.’
Although yet to score for his new side, manager Brendan Rodgers has put more faith in his new signing as he recovered from the Copa America. So far this season he has made six appearances in the red of Liverpool, but will have to wait a bit longer to fully make an impact in the Premier League.
