Rio de Janeiro, May 17 (AFP) Hosts Brazil included injured defender Thiago Silva in their squad for the Copa America, coach Tite announced on Friday.

Paris Saint-Germain's Silva, 34, has been suffering from a knee issue since mid-April but Brazil's physio Fabio Mahseredjian said the former captain could be in a "good condition" by May 28.

The world's most expensive player Neymar was also included having returned from more than two months on the sidelines with a foot problem.

There was no space for Tottenham's Champions League hero Lucas Moura despite his hat-trick in last week's semi-final second leg against Ajax nor for Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior.

Everton winger Richarlison is included in the 23-man group after an impressive season in the English top flight.

The eight-time winners face Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in the group stage, which start on June 14, after two friendlies against Qatar and Honduras.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG), Cassio (Corinthians) Defenders: Dani Alves (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Fagner (Corinthians), Alex Sandro (Juventus/ITA), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Miranda (Inter Milan/ITA), Eder Militao (Porto/POR) Midfielders: Casmeiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ESP), Arthur (Barcelona/ESP), Allan (Napoli/ITA) Forwards: Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan/ITA), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona/ESP), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Everton (Gremio), David Neres (Ajax/NED), Richarlison (Everton/ENG), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City, ENG). (AFP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)