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Neymar out of Brazil's clash with Paraguay

Brazil must cope without the suspended Neymar against Paraguay as they look to close the five-point gap to the top in World Cup qualifying.

Neymar

Source: Getty Images

Barcelona striker Neymar was booked in Saturday's 2-2 qualifying draw against Uruguay and will sit out their game in Asuncion on Wednesday. 

Santos forward Gabriel Barbosa has been called up as a replacement with Dunga's side third in the road to Russia 2018, five points behind Conmebol leaders Ecuador.

And the boss feels Neymar is being targeted by referees and did not deserve his booking.

"As for the foul he gave away to get the yellow card, there should have been yellows for the fouls he received," Dunga said after their Uruguay draw.

"The foul was not bad enough to receive a yellow. But it's Neymar, and the referees will always be rigid with him."

Corinthians defender Felipe has also been called up by Dunga with David Luiz banned follow his own yellow card last week.

Paraguay are fourth in the 10-team table having ended Ecuador's 100 per cent record in the qualifiers by sealing a 2-2 draw in Quito on Friday.

The top four will qualify for Russia 2018 and the fifth-placed side will go into an intercontinental play-off.

"We showed that we're a competitive team who can fight against anyone," Paraguay boss Ramon Diaz said.

"I hope that the team will continue to grow."


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Source: PA Sport


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