Brazil Coach Explains Why Neymar, 3 Other Players Were Called Up For Friendly Vs Nigeria

Brazil coach Tite has revealed the rationale behind his decision to include Paris Saint-Germain super star Neymar on his 23-man roster for the friendlies against Senegal and Nigeria next month. 

Neymar angled for a return to Barcelona in the summer transfer window, however, the proposed move did not materialize and the striker has played only game this season as a result of the previous uncertainty surrounding his future.

Amidst the summer soap opera involving Neymar, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG, the player received a call-up for Brazil's games in September and impressed in their season opener against Colombia, scoring and providing an assist. 

''Neymar is happy in the national team, I can talk about the national team, he is happy here,'' said Tite
''He has no control over other situations because I have no control. But he demonstrated it in games''.

Flamengo defender Caio is making a return to the squad and two exciting 21-year-olds in Gremio's Matheus and Atlético de Madrid's Lodi are in line to make their international debuts next month.

'' Rodrigo Caio has been returning to a very high standard he had in the Brazilian team. 

''Lodi is a young player we are following at Atletico Madrid, has the technical and physical virtues of great players.. 

''Matheus is within a line we like a lot, he's an articulator, very large pass capacity and mobile,'' Tite explained. 

Brazil's 17-match unbeaten run came to an end when they lost 1-0 to Peru in their last international match in September.