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Xtra Time Web Desk: Neymar Jr. will spearhead Brazil's attack for Copa America, with veteran defender Thiago Silva also included despite a recent injury. Most of the squad is identical to the one used for the latest two rounds of South American World Cup qualifying, with Chelsea defender Silva returning after missing those games.

The centre back was injured during Chelsea's win in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Neymar has previously said he wants to play at the Tokyo Olympics this summer as well, but it is unlikely he can participate in both tournaments. 

Brazil is scheduled to open the Copa America campaign on Sunday against Venezuela in Brasilia with no fans at the Mane Garrincha stadium due to the alarming COVID-19 figures in the country. More than 475,000 people have died of the disease in the South American nation.

The Brazil players have publicly criticized the country's decision to host the tournament amid the pandemic but agreed to play.

Barcelona signing Emerson will take the place of injured Sao Paulo FC veteran Dani Alves. Atletico Madrid's Felipe is the replacement for Benfica's Lucas Verissimo, also injured.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Emerson (Barcelona), Danilo, Alex Sandro (Juventus), Renan Lodi, Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paquetá (Lyon)

Forwards: Everton (Benfica), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Richarlison (Everton), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)