Injury forces Alves out of Brazil squad

Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves has been withdrawn from the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of injury.

An Achilles problem has ruled the frontman out of Sunday’s trip to Peru and the clash with Uruguay in Sao Paulo three days later.

Coach Dunga and his staff “are considering whether to call up a replacement”, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation’s website.

Brazil could only manage a goalless draw with Colombia in Bogota in their opening qualifier before they hammered Ecuador 5-0 at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana.