Brazil coach Mano Menzes has named a 23-man squad for the matches against Gabon and Egypt in November. Real Madrid midfielder Kaka makes a welcome return to the Brazil team after 14 months on the sidelines since the quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The 29-year-old former World Player of the Year (2007) has struggled with injuries throughout the past year but has scored three goals in nine appearances for the Merengues this season. “I always said (Kaka's) return would depend on his production, his performances as they have been occurring for Real Madrid. We're very happy with his return,” coach Mano Menezes told reporters on Thursday. “I think of Kaka as I do of Ronaldinho. We need players of their experience in the national team… now he's at the level we want him to be,” he said after naming a 23-man squad. “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.” However, Menzes dropped from his squad the Selecao hot prospect Neymar from Santos and Flamengo forward Ronaldinho after accepting thelocal clubs' requests to be spared call-ups for their top players. Here is the squad that will take on Gabon on 10 November in Libreville then Egypt in Doha, Qatar four days later. Keepers: Neto (Fiorentina, Italy), Diego Alves (Valencia, Spain) Defenders: Daniel Alves (FC Barcelona, Spain), Adriano (FC Barcelona, Spain), Marcelo (Real Madrid, Spain), Fabio (Manchester United, England), Alex Sandro (FC Porto, Portugal), Thiago Silva (AC Milan, Italy), David Luiz (Chelsea, England), Luisão (Benfica, Portugal). Midfielders: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool, England), Luis Gustavo (Bayern Munich, Germany), Sandro (Tottenham, England) Fernandinho (Shakthar Donetsk, Ukraine), Elias (Sporting, Portugal), Hernanes (Lazio, Italy), Kaka (Real Madrid, Spain), Willian (Shakthar Donetsk, Ukraine), Dudu (Dinamo Kiev, Ukraine), Bruno César (Benfica, Portugal). Strikers: Jonas (Valencia, Spain), Hulk (FC Porto, Portugal), Kléber (FC Porto, Portugal).
