Jo recalled to Brazil squad for France friendly

Rio de Janeiro, June 7 (IANS)

Former Manchester City striker Jo has been given a surprise international recall by Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The 26-year-old, currently playing with Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, was called up Thursday to cover the injured Leandro Damiao for Sunday’s Brazil-France friendly in Porto Alegre, reports Xinhua.

It is the first time Jo has been selected to represent his country since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Scolari expressed his gratitude to Atletico Mineiro coach Cuca for releasing the player at short notice.

“Once again the national team’s coaching staff want to thank Brazilian clubs, in this case Atletico Mineiro, for understanding our needs and for their support,” Scolari said.

Damiao, who was used as a late substitute in Brazil’s 2-2 draw against England at Rio’s Maracana stadium last Sunday, suffered a right thigh strain while training with the national squad in the central city of Goiania.

Damiao will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage but is expected to miss Sunday’s match.