Ramires to miss Brazil-Italy friendly

Rio de Janeiro, March 19 (IANS)

Chelsea midfielder Ramires is the latest player to be axed from Brazil’s squad to face Italy in Geneva Thursday due to injury.

Ramires suffered a strained right adductor during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham Sunday. He is also in doubt for Brazil’s fixture against Russia at Stamford Bridge March 25, reports Xinhua.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has already had to rule out Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas (ankle) and Paulinho (thigh) for the international friendlies.

Doubt also surrounds the fitness of in-form Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who was forced off with an ankle problem during his team’s 2-0 away victory over Osasuna in La Liga Sunday.

Scolari, who chose a 23-man squad for the friendlies, is not expected to name any replacements for the injured players.