Brazil pull injured defender Juan out of squad
TERESOPOLIS, Brazil, Sept 1 (Reuters) -
Brazil have pulled central defender Juan out of their squad for Sunday's World Cup qualifier at home to Bolivia because of injury.
Juan, who plays for German club Werder Bremen, was involved in a clash of heads during a Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich at the weekend and spent two days in hospital, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira told reporters.
Parreira said Juan, who had an excellent Copa America last month when he appeared to have won a regular place in the team, had been told by doctors to rest until the weekend.
However, he will be joining up with the squad again for next Wednesday's friendly against Germany in Berlin.
Juan's withdrawal leaves Cris, Roque Junior and Luisao as the squad's three central defenders.
The world champions, who lead the 10-nation South American qualifying group with 13 points from seven games, have been plagued by injuries in the last week.
Gustavo Nery, reserve to Roberto Carlos at left-back, midfielder Diego and striker Luis Fabiano have all pulled out through injury and Ronaldinho is still doubtful.
Brazil have also left out five players who did not take part in the friendly in Haiti earlier this month.
AC Milan trio Kaka, Dida and Cafu were all dropped along with Bayern Munich pair Ze Roberto and Lucio.
Parreira suggested the players should have exerted some pressure on their clubs, who refused to release them for what was dubbed the 'Peace Game'.
Revised squad:
Goalkeepers: Fabio (Vasco da Gama), Julio Cesar (Flamengo)
Defenders: Belletti (Villareal, Spain), Maicon (Monaco, France), Cris (Cruzeiro), Luisao (Benfica, Portugal), Roque Junior (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Leandro (Cruzeiro), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid, Spain)
Midfielders: Edmilson (Barcelona, Spain), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, England), Julio Baptista (Sevilla, Spain), Alex (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Renato (Sevilla, Spain), Edu (Arsenal, England), Juninho Pernambucano (Olympique Lyon, France)
Forwards: Adriano (Inter Milan, Italy), Nilmar (Internacional), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Spain), Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Spain), Robinho (Santos).