Robinho, Kaka head Brazil exclusions

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has omitted several European-based stars from his squad for this month’s friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serie A quartet Maicon, Lucio, Robinho and Alexandre Pato have all been overlooked for selection, as have Real Madrid’s Kaka and Manchester United duo Rafael and Fabio.

Benfica centre back Luisao and Chelsea’s David Luiz have retained their places on the 23-man list.

They will be joined in defence by Vasco da Gama’s exciting 23-year-old centre back Dede.

Given the list of absentees, the selection of both Elias of Sporting Lisbon and Flamengo’s Ronaldinho is somewhat surprising.

Ronaldinho has struggled for fitness and form during his time at Flamengo, but Menezes clearly feels the former Barcelona star still has something to offer.

Valencia’s Jonas has held onto his place in the squad having impressed in Brazil’s last two friendly fixtures against Gabon and Egypt.

Brazil face Bosnia in St Gallen on Frebruary 28.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Diego Alves (Valencia), Rafael (Santos)

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves, Adriano (both Barcelona), Alex Sandro (Porto), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Luisao (Benfica), Dede (Vasco da Gama)

Midfielders: Danilo (Porto), Elias (Sporting), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Hernanes (Lazio), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Ronaldinho (Flamengo)

Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Jonas (Valencia), Hulk (Porto)