Brazil captain Silva ruled out of friendlies

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Thiago Silva of Braziln

Rio de Janeiro, Sep 1 – Brazil captain Thiago Silva has been ruled out of the team’s upcoming international friendlies against South Africa and China with a thigh injury.

Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Friday the 27-year-old had failed to recover from a right quadriceps strain suffered during Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in Stockholm last month, Xinhua reports.

The injury means Atletico Mineiro’s Rever and Vasco da Gama’s Dede will have the chance to partner David Luiz at the heart of Brazil’s defence.

Mano Menezes’ team will play South Africa in Sao Paulo Sep 7 followed by a duel against China in Recife three days later.

Silva became the most expensive defender in history in July when he was bought by Paris Saint-Germain for 41 million euros from AC Milan.