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Kaka recalled by Brazil squad, Ronaldinho out 
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-26 10:00

Brazilian forward Ronaldinho (L) looks at his bronze medal next to teammates during the men's Olympic football tournament medal ceremony in this August file photo. [Agencies]


RIO DE JANEIRO - Out-of-sorts Ronaldinho has been dropped by Brazil for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia while his AC Milan team mate Kaka has been recalled to the squad after knee surgery.

Ronaldinho missed a penalty in the 3-0 win away to Chile and was jeered off the pitch when he was substituted in a dismal goalless draw at home to Bolivia earlier this month.

Dunga said the forward, who had an indifferent Olympic Games after being included as an overage player for the under-23 tournament, needed a break.

"Ronaldinho is a player in who we have great confidence," Dunga told a media conference.


AC Milan's Kaka celebrates after scoring a fourth goal against Lazio during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan September 21, 2008. [Agencies]
"He had a very good period with us during the Olympic Games and it's perfectly normal that, after changing club, he needs time for training."

"Now, he's going to have more time to train and improve."

"We're going to do all we can to help him get back to being the Ronaldinho that everyone knows."

Brazil visit Venezuela, who beat them 2-0 in a friendly in June, on October 12 and host Colombia three days later.

Kaka has not played for Brazil this year, having undergone a knee operation in late May.

The timing of the operation -- immediately after the end of the last Italian season and before Brazil's matches against Paraguay and Argentina -- was widely criticised in Brazil.

"He's playing again and he's in good condition so the normal thing is for him to come back to the Brazil team," said Dunga.

Brazil are second in the 10-team South American qualifying group but Dunga is under increasing pressure after only one win in their last four games.

The win in Chile briefly eased the pressure but Dunga was under fire again after a dismal performance at home to Bolivia.

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma)

Defenders: Lucio (Bayern Munich), Alex Costa (Chelsea), Juan (AS Roma), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Juan (Flamengo), Kleber (Santos)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Mancini (Inter Milan), Lucas (Liverpool), Kaka (AC Milan), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Elano (Manchester City), Anderson (Manchester United)

Forwards: Robinho (Manchester City), Jo (Manchester City), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla).