Thursday 13 August 2015 18:36, UK
Philippe Coutinho has missed out on a place in Brazil's squad for the upcoming internationals against Costa Rica and the United States.
The 23 year-old's omission follows Brazil's quarter-final exit at the Copa America earlier this summer.
Brazil coach Dunga has decided to recall former Ballon d'Or winner Kaka to his 24-man squad as a replacement. Liverpool's other Brazilian midfielder, new signing Roberto Firmino, is also included.
"We gave him a chance at the Copa America," said Dunga, explaining his decision to leave Coutinho out.
"You can't build with just youngsters, you need experience to help."
Coutinho featured prominently in Brazil's Copa America campaign, playing in three of his side's four games at the tournament.
However, the Selecao underperformed and were eventually knocked out by Paraguay at the quarter-final stage, leaving Dunga to ponder his options ahead of next year's Copa America Centenario.
Brazil face Costa Rica in a friendly in New Jersey on September 5, before travelling to play the United States in Boston three days later.
Kaka, who already has 89 caps for Brazil, recently backed Coutinho by insisting he was the right man to replace Steven Gerrard at the heart of the Liverpool midfield, following the England international's move to the MLS.
"I have been a big admirer of Coutinho and he can be a very important player for Liverpool and Brazil," said Kaka.
"There will be a lot of expectation on him with Liverpool fighting to get back into the Champions League, but I know that he can handle it.
"One great player doesn’t make a team, but you can build a team around one great player, and I believe he can be that player.
"Coutinho is a humble guy. He won't talk about being able to replace a legend like Steven Gerrard, and the truth is nobody could ever replace him, but with Gerrard gone they do need somebody to step up - and he can do that."
