Pato and Ganso named in Copa America squad
Reuters - Wednesday 08 June 2011, 05:50
SAO PAULO - Brazil coach Mano Menezes has
named injured pair Paulo Henrique Ganso and Alexandre Pato in
his 22-man squad for the Copa America.
"We checked (with the doctors) and we're absolutely certain
they will be at the Copa America," Menezes told a news
conference after Brazil's 1-0 win over Romania in their final
warm-up friendly.
The tournament starts on July 1 in Argentina, with Brazil
looking to defend the title they won in 2007.
Pato (shoulder) and Ganso (thigh) also missed Saturday's 0-0
draw with Netherlands in Goiania.
Fans booed the team after both friendlies but Menezes said
he saw some good build-up play and was confident the finishing
would come.
"I always made it clear (Ganso) is the player with the most
qualities in his favour (to be the playmaker)," Menezes said of
the talented Santos midfielder.
Santos were planning to bring Ganso back from his injury
layoff in the second leg of the Libertadores Cup Final against
Penarol of Uruguay in Sao Paulo on June 22, he added. The first
leg is in Montevideo next week.
"For him to play that match he will have had 10 days of hard
work," Menezes said.
Menezes, whose team face Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela in
Group B at the Copa America, has until June 27 to make changes
if necessary.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan).
Defenders: Lucio, Maicon (both Inter Milan), Thiago Silva
(AC Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Luisao (Benfica), Andre Santos
(Fenerbahce), Daniel Alves, Adriano (both Barcelona).
Midfielders: Lucas (Sao Paulo), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool),
Elano (Santos), Elias (Atletico Madrid), Jadson (Shakhtar
Donetsk), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur), Paulo
Henrique Ganso (Santos).
Forwards: Alexandre Pato, Robinho (both AC Milan), Neymar
(Santos), Fred (Fluminense).