Coutinho gets Brazil nod

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil have called up Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Barcelona's Rafinha for friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States next month after Chelsea duo Oscar and Ramires pulled out through injury.

Brazil coach Dunga had faced criticism earlier this month after omitting Coutinho and Rafinha from his squad for the two games in the United States on September 5 and September 8.

The two friendlies are Brazil's only games before the start of South American qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in October, where the five-time world champions open with a difficult match against Chile.

It follows a disappointing campaign at the Copa America, where Dunga's men were eliminated in the quarter-finals to Paraguay.