Ronaldinho back in favour

SAO PAULO (AP):

Ronaldinho is back on Brazil's national team for the first time in 18 months and young forward sensation Neymar is returning after an absence for disciplinary reasons.

Coach Mano Menezes said yesterday he included Ronaldinho for the November 17 exhibition against Argentina at Doha, Qatar, because he "can add value in a sector where we must still evolve".

Ronaldinho, a midfielder and forward for AC Milan, was left off the World Cup roster and hasn't played for Brazil since a World Cup qualifier against Peru in April 2009. He was voted FIFA player of the year in 2004 and 2005.

Neymar scored against the United States in August in his international debut, then was dropped for exhibitions against Iran and the Ukraine this month after Santos suspended the 18-year-old for offending his teammates and coach.

The roster

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Atletico Paranaense), Victor (Gremio).

Defenders: Adriano Correa (Barcelona, Spain), Alex (Chelsea, England), André Santos (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Daniel Alves (Barcelona, Spain), David Luiz (Benfica, Portugal), Rafael da Silva (Manchester United, England), Rever (Atletico Mineiro), Thiago Silva (AC Milan, Italy).

Midfielders: Douglas (Gremio), Elias (Corinthians), Jucilei (Corinthians), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool, England), Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan, Italy), Ramires (Chelsea, England), Ronaldinho (AC Milan, Italy), Sandro (Tottenham, England).

Forwards: André (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Neymar (Santos), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan, Italy), Robinho (AC Milan, Italy).