Diego, Robinho in Brazil's squad

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -- Brazil, who are sending an under-23 side to the CONCACAF Gold Cup this month, included Santos teenagers Diego and Robinho in their squad on Tuesday.

The pair were among four Santos players chosen by coach Ricardo Gomes for the tournament in which Brazil are taking part by invitation.

Santos captain Paulo Almeida and defender Alex were also picked, a move which is likely to seriously hamper the club's chances of winning the Brazilian championship which is in full swing.

Diego and Robinho are two of the hottest properties in Brazil but senior national team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has so far resisted calls to give them a run a full international level.

Diego has made only a brief substitute appearance in a friendly against Mexico and Robinho has not yet played for the senior side.

Brazil, who are using the tournament as a warm-up for the Olympic qualifying competition, face Honduras and co-hosts Mexico in their first-round group.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alexandre Negri (Ponte Preta), Gomes (Cruzeiro)

Defenders: Adriano (Coritiba), Coelho (Corinthians), Maicon (Cruzeiro), Alex (Santos), Andre Bahia (Flamengo), Luisao (Cruzeiro)

Midfielders: Paulo Almeida (Santos), Julio Baptista (Sao Paulo), Thiago Motta (Barcelona), Diego (Santos), Kaka (Sao Paulo), Carlos Alberto (Fluminense)

Forwards: Ewerthon (Borussia Dortmund), Nadson (Vitoria), Nilmar (Internacional), Robinho (Santos)

 

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