Brazil recalls Thiago Silva for Copa America

RIO DE JANEIRO - Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has been included in Brazil's Copa America squad after recovering from a groin problem, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Wednesday.

Silva, 36, missed Brazil's World Cup qualifying victories over Ecuador and Paraguay in the past week after sustaining the injury during Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League final on May 29.

The Copa America will be played in Brazil from June 13 to July 10. The hosts begin their campaign against Venezuela in Brasilia on Sunday before facing Peru at Rio de Janeiro's Olympic stadium four days later.

Brazil head coach Tite also called up Barcelona right-back Emerson and Atletico Madrid central defender Felipe. Veteran Sao Paulo full-back Dani Alves was left out after failing to recover from a knee ligament strain while Benfica center-back Lucas Verissimo was also omitted because of a thigh injury.

As expected, the 24-man squad comprises mostly Europe-based players, including Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro.