No place for Ronaldinho in Brazil's World Cup 23

SAO PAULO (AP):

Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar have been left out of Brazil's preliminary World Cup squad.

Coach Dunga announced 23 players and was expected to announce seven more to complete the squad. Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar may be among the seven chosen, but would only be on standby in case of injuries.

Kaka, Robinho, Maicon and Julio Cesar were picked in the squad, but three-time FIFA world player of the year Ronaldo and veteran left back Roberto Carlos were not included as expected.

Dunga is sticking to most of the players who helped Brazil win last year's Confederations Cup and finish top of South American World Cup qualifying.

"These players are winners," Dunga said. "There is no doubt that they are prepared to help Brazil reach its goal. They are ready to give their best for the country."

Adriano absent

One of the biggest surprises was the absence of Adriano, who had been constantly called up by Dunga in recent matches. But there had been doubts because of recent off-the-field problems that caused him to miss several training sessions with Flamengo.

"We gave Adriano numerous chances," Dunga said. "But it came to a time when we had to make a decision."

Wolfsburg's Grafite was called up to take Adriano's place.

Ronaldinho, a two-time FIFA world player of the year, hadn't been called up for the national team since April 2009, but had been playing reasonably well this season with AC Milan and many wanted him to be included in the squad.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Gomes (Tottenham), Doni (AS Roma, Italy).

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan).

Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kleberson (Flamengo), Julio Baptista (AS Roma).

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (Santos), Grafite (Wolfsburg).