AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho has been omitted from the Brazil squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers.
Former World Player of the Year left out of qualifying party
AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho has been omitted from the Brazil squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers.
He had been a regular in Dunga's side thus far but a number of abject performances have seen him deemed surplus to requirements.
The national coach has refused to rule out the possibility of the former World Player of the Year playing his way back into contention, but admits he needs time to get his club form back on track.
"We believe in Ronaldinho," he said.
"He needs more practice time, more rhythm. He will improve."
Talented
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho's Milan team-mate Kaka has been recalled after recovering from a knee problem.
He joins Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Daniel Alves and Anderson in a strong looking Brazil squad to face Venezuela on 12th October and Colombia three days later.
Teenage star Pato had been left out of the last two qualifiers but returns after impressing for Milan at club level.
"He is talented," Dunga added.
"He is a young player and you have to let him grow naturally. You have to have patience."
Brazil currently sit second in the South American qualifying group, behind leaders Paraguay, but Dunga finds himself under mounting pressure after a feeble 0-0 draw with Bolivia last time out and a similar result against arch-rivals Argentina in June.
Full Brazil squad to face Venezuela and Colombia:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma).
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Alex (Chelsea), Juan (Roma), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Juan Maldonado (Flamengo).
Midfielders: Elano (Manchester City), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Anderson (Manchester United), Lucas (Liverpool), Julio Baptista (Roma), Mancini (Inter Milan), Kaka (AC Milan).
Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Robinho (Manchester City), Jo (Manchester City).
