Correction to AFP Article: "No Kaka For Brazil Friendly Against Bosnia."

AFP is reporting that Kaka played in the Brazil friendlies against Gabon and Egypt as follows:

Kaka did play in the final two games of 2011 for the auriverde -- wins over Gabon and Egypt -- but while coach Mano Menezes insists he respects the player's abilities, he said: "I'm not going to give an explanation for every player not selected."

This is simply untrue. Kaka did not play in the friendlies for Gabon and Egypt. Kaka was selected for the Egypt and Gabon friendlies, but was withdrawn by Jose Mourinho due to injury.

Brazil Squad For Gabon and Egypt Friendlies

Mano Menezes named a squad of European based Brazilian players for November friendlies against Gabon and Egypt that featured Kaka, Marcelo and Hulk.

Key points of Mano’s squad selection are as follows:

• Kaka’s return to the Brazilian team after an inspiring start to the season at Real Madrid, featuring three goals, two assists and a consolidated role in Jose Mourinho’s line-up. Kaka returns to the Brazilian team after over a year. He last played for Brazil in their quarterfinal loss to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup.

• Marcelo’s selection as left back given his brilliant performance and goal against Mexico.

• Hulk’s selection after a respectable performance against Mexico. Hulk is likely to start and lead the attack, particularly given the absence of Neymar and Leandro Damiao.

• Hernanes, who may end up replacing Lucas Leiva as the team evolves.

• Willian’s inclusion as a 23 year old attacking midfielder who plays for Shakhtar.

Reagrding Kaka, Mano Menezes remarked: “I think of Kaka as I do of Ronaldinho. We need players of their experience in the national team. That doesn’t mean he’s already done enough but you have more confidence in him being able to produce more and more at the highest level.”

Brazil play Gabon in Libreville on November 10 and Egypt in Doha on November 14.

Goalkeepers: Neto (Fiorentina), Diego Alves (Valencia).

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Adriano (Barcelona), Alex Sandro (Porto), Fabio (Manchester United), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Luisao (Benfica).

Midfielders: Dudu (Dynamo Kiev), Elias (Sporting, Portugal), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Hernanes (Lazio), Kaka (Real Madrid), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Bruno Cesar (Benfica), Sandro (Tottenham).

Strikers: Hulk (Porto), Jonas (Valencia), Kleber (Porto), Willian (Shakhtar Donetsk)