Porto defender Telles earns Brazil call-up

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Uncapped Porto full-back Alex Telles has been drafted into BRAZIL's squad for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic, the South American country's football confederation said on Friday.

The 26-year-old replaces Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis, who suffered a calf injury in his team's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga earlier this month.

The announcement came a week after Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior was also cut from BRAZIL's squad due to an ankle injury. He was immediately substituted by Ajax forward David Neres.

In addition, the five-time world champions will be without Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, due to respective foot and groin problems.

BRAZIL face Panama in Porto, Portugal, on March 23 and the Czech Republic in Prague three days later. Enditem