Rio De Janiero, May 25 (IANS) Uncapped Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto has replaced injured Valencia stopper Diego Alves in Brazil’s Copa America squad, the country’s football federation (CBF) said.
Alves was removed from Dunga’s 23-man list after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee during Valencia’s 3-2 Liga victory at Almeria on Saturday.
“We all wish Diego a speedy recovery so that he returns as soon as possible for his club,” Xinhua quoted Gilmar Rinaldi, Brazil’s technical director, as saying on Sunday.
Gilmar confirmed Alves will undergo surgery, which is expected to sideline the 29-year-old for at least six months.
The Selecao begin their Copa America campaign against Peru on June 14 before meeting Colombia and Venezuela in the group phase.
Dunga’s side will warm up for the June 11-July 4 tournament in Chile with home friendlies against Mexico and Honduras in early June.
Neto, 25, is expected to be Brazil’s third choice in goal during the Copa America after Botafogo captain Jefferson and Gremio’s Marcelo Grohe.