Arsenal defender Gabriel earns Brazil call-up

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 7  Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista and Santos winger Douglas Santos have been called up to Brazil's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru, the country's football confederation has said.

They replace Real Madrid full-back Marcelo and Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinho, who are both suffering leg injuries on Friday, reports Xinhua.

Brazil will meet Argentina in Buenos Aries on November 12 before hosting Peru in Salvador five days later.

Dunga's team has three points from their first two qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela.

The top four teams from South America's two-year qualifying campaign will earn a direct berth in the 2018 World Cup, to be played in Russia.

The fifth ranked team will play off for a spot against the top ranked side from Oceania group.