Felipe Scolari rules out Brazil-based players for friendly

Rio de Janeiro, Feb 11: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said Brazil-based players will not be considered for next month’s international friendly against South Africa.

Scolari will name his squad for the March 5 clash at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

“After looking at some situations, we think that it will be better to choose only players who play outside of Brazil,” Scolari said Monday.

“Those who play in Brazil are in the beginning of their season and aren’t at peak fitness. For that reason we are going to wait a little to complete the list.”

The match at Johannesburg’s Soccer City will be the Selecao’s last before Scolari picks his squad for the World Cup, to be played in June and July.

Scolari’s decision means striker Fred (Fluminense), midfielder Jean (Fluminense) and defenders Dede (Cruzeiro) and Rever (Atletico Mineiro) will have to impress at club level to stake claims for a World Cup berth.

Barcelona striker Neymar is expected to be named for the friendly having recovered from an ankle injury.