Chelsea Quartet Star in Brazil Squad as Liverpool Duo Have World Cup Dream Ended

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has named his 23-man squad for the World Cup, including six Premier League players but not any from Liverpool – with both Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva missing out.

Scolari's side will host the tournament as one of the favourites to win the trophy after conquering the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup last summer by thrashing World Cup holders Spain 3-0 in the final.

And the former Chelsea manager has already confirmed his World Cup squad although it is subject to change before 2 June should any of this select 23 suffer injury.

Scolari has trusted in Barcelona star Neymar to lead his side to a victory while veterans such as Milan playmaker Kaka and former Ballon D'or winner Ronaldinho will miss the trip.

The Premier League will be represented more than any other league in the Brazil set up with six players, including four from Chelsea in David Luiz, William, Ramires and Oscar who are joined by Tottenham midfielder Paulinho and Manchester City's summer signing Fernandinho.

However, Liverpool duo Coutinho and Leiva as well as Manchester United right back Rafael did not make the cut.

Champions League finalists Filipe Luis and Miranda are also suprising omissions after Scolari overlooked the Atletico duo.

Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 12 before facing Mexico and Cameroon in their other two group stage games.

GOALKEEPERS: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atlético Mineiro)

DEFENDERS: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (PSG), Thiago Silva (PSG), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli)

MIDFIELDERS: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Paulinho (Tottenham), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Willian (Chelsea)

FORWARDS: Hulk (Zenit), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jô (Atlético Mineiro), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk).