Beijing Guoan's Renato Augusto returns to Brazil squad

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Beijing Guoan midfielder Renato Augusto will make a surprise return to the Brazil set-up after Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho pulled out of this month's clashes against Uruguay and Cameroon.

Coutinho suffered a hamstring injury in Barca's 1-1 draw with Inter last week and failed to recover in time to join the Selecao in England. His absence provides an unexpected chance for Augusto, whose withdrawal from the Brazil squad two months ago has fueled speculation about a possible retirement from international duty.

The 34-year-old Guoan skipper decided to opt out of the national team in September, giving up two friendlies against the USA and El Salvador. Augusto didn't reveal the reason for his decision, but according to multiple media outlets in Beijing, the midfielder considered it might be best for him to focus on club football to help Guoan win the Chinese Super League title.

Renato Augusto plays an instrumental role in Beijing Guoan's CSL title fight. /VCG Photo

Back then, the capital giants are three points clear at the top of the table, and as the only player in the Selecao that plays in China, Augusto was in imperious form. However, a string of bad results and injuries late on stalled Guoan's progress before a narrow defeat at the hands of rivals Guangzhou Evergrande torpedoed their title hopes.

Fortunately for Augusto, due to Coutinho's injury, he will now be presented with another opportunity to make amends for his sudden withdrawal last time out.

Coutinho is unable to make a speedy recovery after damaging the hamstring in his left leg in a 1-1 draw with Inter, November 6. /VCG Photo

Apart from Augusto, Barcelona midfielder Rafinha Alcantara has been called up by Brazil coach Tite to replace Real Madrid's Casemiro, who is nursing a sprained ankle. And Juventus full-back Alex Sandro comes in at the expense of Marcelo, who hasn't recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in Real Madrid's Clasico defeat to Barcelona.

The Selecao will face Uruguay at the Emirates Stadium on November 16 before hosting Cameroon in Milton Keynes four days later.