RIO DE JANEIRO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has given a surprise international call-up to Sao Paulo winger Osvaldo for friendlies against Italy and Russia later this month.
The 25-year-old replaces Paris Saint-Germain starlet Lucas, who suffered a left ankle injury during his team's 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Nancy last Saturday (March 9), O Globo reported on Wednesday.
Osvaldo rose from relative obscurity last season to help Sao Paulo win the Copa Sudamericana trophy and claim a top-four finish in Brazil's Serie A.
He has scored eight goals in 24 first-team matches for Sao Paulo after being signed from Dubai outfit Al Ahli Club at the beginning of 2012.
Brazil will meet Italy in Geneva on March 21 before facing Russia in London four days later.