Ronaldo out, Edmilson returns for Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - Ronaldo will be missing but Edmilson
will return to the Brazilian national team for the first time in
more than a year as the side plays its final two friendlies this
year against the United Arab Emirates and a Kuwaiti select
squad.
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira selected 22 players Thursday for the
games Nov. 12 and 15, summoning the base of the team he intends to
take to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Nearly all of Brazil's regulars will be there, including Adriano of
Italy's Internazionale, Robinho of Real Madrid, Kaka of Milan and
FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho of Barcelona. The big
absence is Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, who is recovering from an
injury to his left ankle. His replacement is Fred, a speedy striker
who recently transferred from Cruzeiro to France's Lyon.
A surprise inclusion was defender Edmilson, a mainstay on the
Brazilian team that won a record fifth World Cup in Japan in 2002
but who missed eight months after rupturing ligaments in his left
knee while playing with Barcelona.
After his injury in October of last year, Edmilson returned to the
field with Barcelona in May and has worked his way back into
consideration by Parreira.
Edmilson has the advantage of versatility, playing in the midfield
for Barcelona but equally comfortable on the back line.
Corinthians left winger Gustavo Nery also was chosen as an
understudy for Real Madrid veteran Roberto Carlos. His rival for
the reserve spot - Hertha Berlin's Gilberto - was not
selected.
The two friendlies are virtually Brazil's last preparation mataches
before the Cup. The team plans just one more exhibition game, but
the date and the rival have not been determined.
Brazil faces the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 12 and
then heads to Kuwait to face the Kuwaiti select squad.
