Neymar to miss Argentina clash

Neymar and several other top Brazilian players have been left out of the national squad for friendlies next month against Argentina and Australia, coach Tite said yesterday, giving them a long summer break for the first time since 2013.

The Barcelona striker has played a major tournament every summer since the World Cup in 2014 and he, along with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino, who is suffering from a muscle strain, were left out Tite's reformed squad.

Regulars Marquinhos, Miranda, Marcelo and Dani Alves were also spared the trip Down Under.

In their place, Monaco centre back Jemerson and Corinthians midfielder Rodriguinho were called up for the first time. Shaktar striker Taison, who has played just six minutes of international football, was another surprise inclusion.