Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho got the call-up from Brazil coach Tite on Friday after a year-long absence for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.Coutinho was sidelined by a knee injury, but has recently resumed playing regularly with Barca. The 29-year-old playmaker still looks rusty and far from his best form as Barcelona goes through one of the worst periods in living memory. Many fans have singled the Brazilian out for his inept performance in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano. But poor showings at the club level did not deter Tite.Saturday, 23.00: (2.20) Atletico PR (3.10) Santos (3.60)Brazil’s national team coach has confidence in the former Liverpool star’s ability.”He’s a midfielder who creates plays, a great player regaining his form.”Tite did not however recall 21-year-old Vinicius Junior, despite a sizzling start to the season at Real Madrid. The coach also left out Richarlison, whose season is off to an injury-troubled start at Everton.Neymar will lead Brazil’s attack. The 29-year-old superstar will be looking to turn around a disappointing start to the season, including a lacklustre performance in Brazil’s 0-0 draw against Colombia on 10 October. ‘Ney’ did however shine in Brazil’s 4-1 thrashing of Uruguay on 14 October.Philippe Coutinho has been called up to the latest Brazil squad for the first time in a year 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/cdoB7VX4IN— Goal (@goal) October 29, 2021 Brazil lead the South American qualifiers with 10 wins from 11 matches, and are on the cusp of booking their tickets to Qatar. They will face Colombia on 11 November in Sao Paulo, before facing Argentina away on 16 November, looking to avenge their humiliating 1-0 loss in the Copa America final on home turf in July.##NAJAVA_MECA_5939055##Brazil squad for November World Cup qualifiers:Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Emerson (Manchester City), Gabriel Chapeco (Gremio)Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Emerson Royal (Tottenham), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Lucas Verissimo (Benfica), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fred (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Gerson (Marseille), Lucas Paqueta (Lyon), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)Forwards: Antony (Ajax), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (Leeds United)
