Philippe Coutinho has been included in Brazil’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but Roberto Firmino has been omitted, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The five-time Champions face Uruguay on March 26, then Paraguay on March 30 as they attempt to qualify for the 2018 finals in Russia.
And Brazil boss Dunga has made the controversial decision to leave former Hoffenheim man Firmino at home, despite impressing for the Reds in recent weeks.
He scored one and assisted one as Jurgen Klopp’s men hammered Manchester City 3-0 on Wednesday night.
The attacker’s efforts were not deemed enough in his national team manager’s eyes, however, whilst Coutinho – who was benched for that game – is in-line for his first cap in six months.
Both players have been in stunning form this season, with former Inter man Coutinho contributing five goals and five assists whilst Firmino has recorded seven of each.
The former scored the crucial equaliser in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final as the Reds battled back from a goal down, only to lose on penalties.
Fernandinho, who scored the opener in the game, is also included in Brazil’s 23-man roster, along with Chelsea duo Oscar and Willian.
They will be lining up against former Red Luis Suarez, who is set to make his first international appearance since getting banned for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 finals.
The Green and Yellows are currently fourth in the CONMEBOL qualification with a record of 2-1-1.
