Brazil’s Ramires out of Italy test

Paris: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will have to do without Chelsea midfielder Ramires for Thursday’s friendly with Italy in Geneva but hopes he will be fit to face Russia five days later in London, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Tuesday.

Ramires has stayed behind in London for treatment on a thigh muscle injury.

Paulinho of Corinthians had earlier pulled out with a thigh problem as had ankle injury victim Lucas of French league leaders Paris Saint Germain, the latter being replaced by Osvaldo of Sao Paulo.

Paulinho has not been replaced in the squad, who began meeting up in Geneva on Monday.

Just seven of the 21-strong squad are home-based.