Scolari guarantees Fred in Brazil World Cup squad

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 10 (IANS) Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has guaranteed Fluminense striker Fred’s place in his World Cup squad for the next year.

The No. 9 has been in excellent international form this year. The 30-year-old netted five times as Brazil lifted the Confederations Cup in June, reported Xinhua.

“Fred will be on my list. I have spoken a lot with Fred, almost every week. He is an important part of the group, not only as a player,” Scolari said Friday.

The centre-forward is currently recovering from a thigh injury and it is not certain whether he will return to club action this year.

Fluminense are in a perilous situation in the Brasileiro table and are fighting against relegation. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo admitted Fred could play against Corinthians this weekend without being 100 percent fit.