Brazil manager Dorival Junior has included Brentford forward Igor Thiago and Bournemouth winger Rayan in his squad for matches against France and Croatia. The selections mark the first senior international call-ups for both Premier League players, according to Sky Sports. Brazil will face France in Paris before travelling to Zagreb for the second fixture later this month.
Thiago joined Brentford from Club Brugge and has established himself in the starting line-up during the current campaign. Rayan, who moved to Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama, also receives his first opportunity at senior level following his performances in the top flight. The duo joins a 23-man group that includes several established European-based professionals, per reports from ESPN.
Dorival Junior stated that the selections reflect a desire to observe fresh talent ahead of competitive qualifiers. The squad is scheduled to begin training at their base in Teresopolis next week. Both players are expected to be available for their respective clubs' fixtures this weekend before departing for international duty.
