Neymar, Fred in Brazil’s 23-member World Cup squad

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Five-time world champions Brazil have announced their 23-man squad for the upcoming 2018 World Cup set to start in Russia on June 14. After their disastrous campaign in the 2014 World Cup on their home soil, the Selecao, under manager Tite, are chasing their record sixth World Cup silverware in next month’s marquee event in world football.

Much to the relief of the Brazilian fans and due to his fast recovery process, Neymar has found a place in the squad and is expected to be back in action before spearheading Brazil’s quest for glory.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, who may clinch a deal with Manchester United in the next transfer window, has been called in the squad along with his compatriot in Ukraine and 30-year-old striker, Taison.

Neymar celebrates during the French Ligue 1 Championship Trophy Ceremony after the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Rennais on May 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

Juventus defender Alex Sandro fell out of favor while Atletico Madrid’s Felipe Luis has been drafted into the squad as a backup for the Real Madrid left-back Marcelo. The absence of Dani Alves from the squad with a knee injury will see Manchester City’s Danilo competing with Fagner of Corinthians for the first-choice right-back position.

The 23 selected footballers will join a preparatory camp in Brazil on May 21 before traveling to London a week later. They will train at Tottenham’s training center ahead of friendlies with Croatia at Anfield on June 3 and Austria in Vienna on June 10. The canary yellow brigade are expected to land in in Russia on June 11 and will play their opening game against Switzerland on June 17.

Brazil's 23-member squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup

Alisson, Ederson, Cassio; Danilo, Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marquinhos, Pedro Geromel, Marcelo, Filipe Luis; Casemiro, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Renato Augusto, Coutinho, Fred, Willian; Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Douglas Costa, Taison.