Injury forces Sandro out of Brazil squad

Tottenham midfielder Sandro has been ruled out of the Brazil squad for the country’s upcoming friendlies with a calf injury.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Monday that the 22-year-old, capped seven times for Brazil, would miss the matches against Costa Rica and Mexico.

Corinthians midfielder Ralf has been drafted into the squad as a replacement, with the 27-year-old gaining the call after an impressive display as the holding man in Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Argentina last week.

Sandro played 26 minutes on Sunday as a substitute in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, but after the game it emerged that the youngster had suffered a strain in his left calf muscle and had to be withdrawn from Mano Menezes’ squad.

Brazil will take on Costa Rica on Friday before meeting Mexico the following Tuesday.