体坛英语新闻：Ramires to miss Brazil-Italy friendly

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Cheslea midfielder Ramires is the latest player to be cut from Brazil's squad to face Italy in Geneva on Thursday due to injury.

Ramires suffered a strained right adductor during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham on Sunday and is also in doubt for Brazil's fixture against Russia at Stamford Bridge on March 25, O Globo reported on Monday.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has already had to rule out Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas (ankle) and Paulinho (thigh) for the international friendlies.

Doubt also surrounds the fitness of in-form Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who was forced off with an ankle problem during his team's 2-0 away victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday.

Scolari, who chose a 23-man squad for the friendlies, is not expected to name any replacements for the injured players.