Liverpool midfielder Roberto Firmino has withdrawn from Brazil's squad for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
The 23-year-old was substituted during the Reds' Capital One Cup third-round win over Carlisle United on Wednesday after landing awkwardly.
While assistant boss Gary McAllister claimed that he expected the Brazilian to be fit for this weekend's Premier League match against Aston Villa, it seems that he is not in the right shape for international duty.
A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation confirmed Firmino's absence, with Santos forward Ricardo Oliveira taking his place.
"Ricardo Oliveira, the top goalscorer in the Brazilian league with 17 goals, was called up by Brazil coach Dunga," said the statement. "The Santos striker will take the place of Liverpool striker Firmino, who was released because of injury."
Brazil will take on Chile on October 8 and Venezuela five days later.
Danielle Joynson
