Neymar, Willian, Miranda set for Brazil Olympic call-up

Brazil coach Dunga has reportedly chosen FC Barcelona forward Neymar, Chelsea midfielder Willian and Inter Milan centre-back Miranda as his three experienced players for the Olympic Games in August.

Neymar and Willian have been cleared to compete in Rio by their clubs, reports Xinhua.

But it is understood Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini is yet to give his approval for Miranda.

In the event Mancini vetoes Miranda's participation, Dunga will forgo an experienced defender by calling up Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa, the report said.

Under Olympic football rules, teams are allowed only three players over the age of 23 in their squads.

The Olympic men's football tournament begins on August 4, just five weeks after the final of the centenary edition of the Copa America in the United States.

Brazil were forced to leave Neymar out of their Copa America squad after Barcelona refused to allow the 24-year-old to play in both tournaments.

An Olympic gold medal is the only major international football accolade that Brazil have never won and Dunga has been told by the country's football confederation to make the tournament his top priority this year.

Brazil have been drawn in Group A of the Rio 2016 Olympics tournament alongside South Africa, Iraq and Denmark.

--IANS

sam/vt