Souza replaces Jesus

Veteran forward Diego Souza was called up to replace injured Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus as Brazil made three changes to their squad for upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay on Friday.

Jesus made an electrifying start to his international career last year with five goals in six games as Brazil roared to the top of the qualifying standings under new coach Tite.

However the gifted teenager is out of contention after suffering a broken bone in his foot while on club duty for Manchester City last month.

Sport Recife veteran Souza, 31, earns his call-up after a successful season last year in Brazil's top-flight, scoring 14 goals and six assists.

Tite has also opted for experienced former Atletico Madrid midfielder Flamengo Diego.

The Brazilian team, which still boasts Neymar in attack, is on a roll, with six consecutive victories under Tite's stewardship.

Three China-based players -- defender Gil and midfielders Renato Augusto and Paulinho -- are also in the squad.

Brazil face historical rivals Uruguay in Montevideo on March 23 before hosting Paraguay in Sao Paulo five days later.

Squad

GOALKEEPERS: Alisson (Roma/ITA), Weverton (Atlético Paranaense), Ederson (Benfica/POR).

DEFENDERS: Gil (Shandong Luneng/CHI), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Miranda (Atletico de Madrid/ESP), Thiago Silva (París Saint-Germain/FRA). Daniel Alves (Juventus/ITA), Fagner (Corinthians), Filipe Luís (Atlético de Madrid/ESP), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP).

MIDFIELDERS: Casemiro (Real Madrid/ESP), Diego (Flamengo), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ENG), Giuliano (Zenit San Petersburgo/RUS), Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande/CHN), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool/ENG), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan/CHN), Willian (Chelsea/ENG).

FORWARDS: Diego Souza (Sport Recife), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich/GER), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Neymar (Barcelona/ESP).