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Cesar returns to Brazil squad

The 23-man squad picked by coach Mano Menezes includes uncapped midfielders Jadson of Shakhtar Donetsk and Renato Augusto of Bayer Leverkusen.

However, there was still no call-up for Real Madrid's Kaka, who has only recently returned from a long layoff after knee surgery. World Cup defenders Lucio, Juan and Maicon were also overlooked.

Julio Cesar, regarded as one of the world's best goalkeepers going into the World Cup in South Africa, last played in Brazil's 3-2 upset quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands.

"This was already part of our plans and it's with happiness that I call up Julio Cesar for the first time," Menezes told a news conference.

"The players who play in Europe are in a rhythm of competition, in equal conditions to our adversaries on February 9, France," Menezes said.