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Philippe Coutinho has been left out of Brazil’s latest squad for September internationals against Costa Rica and the United States.

Despite the 23-year-old’s fine form for Liverpool this year, Brazil coach Dunga has decided to omit him from the 24-man squad, the first named since their disappointing quarter-final exit at the Copa America.

Reds new boy Roberto Firmino retains his place, however, while Selecao have recalled Kaka after a near year-long absence.

On Coutinho’s exclusion from the squad, Dunga said: “We gave him a chance at the Copa America.

“You can’t just build with just youngsters, you need experience to help.”

Coutinho featured in three of Brazil’s four Copa America games this summer, missing the first game against Peru through injury.

Brazil will meet Costa Rica in New Jersey on September 5, before facing the US three days later in Boston.

Kaka has previously stated Brendan Rodgers should build his Liverpool team around Coutinho, with the midfielder capable of filling the void left by Steven Gerrard.

“I have been a big admirer of Coutinho and he can be a very important player for Liverpool and Brazil,” said Kaka.

“There will be a lot of expectation on him with Liverpool fighting to get back into the Champions League, but I know that he can handle it.

“One great player doesn’t make a team, but you can build a team around one great player, and I believe he can be that player.

“Coutinho is a humble guy. He won’t talk about being able to replace a legend like Steven Gerrard, and the truth is nobody could ever replace him, but with Gerrard gone they do need somebody to step up - and he can do that.”