Chelsea star Luiz out of Brazil friendlies

Rio de Janeiro, May 26 (IANS) Chelsea defender David Luiz has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming international friendlies after failing to overcome a thigh injury.

Luiz revealed he played through the pain barrier in Chelsea's Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich last Saturday, having not fully recovered from an injury suffered seven weeks earlier, reported Xinhua.

Brazil face Denmark in Hamburg Saturday followed by games against the United States (May 30), Mexico (June 3) and Argentina (June 9).

Meanwhile Brazil coach Mano Menezes has included AC Milan defender Thiago Silva, Porto forward Hulk and Real Madrid's Marcelo in his starting line-up for Saturday's match against Denmark.

The trio are vying to be the three over-23 players selected in Brazil's London Olympic squad.

Brazil's starting lineup for Saturday's friendly is: Jefferson; Danilo, Juan, Thiago Silva and Marcelo; Romulo, Sandro, Lucas and Oscar; Hulk and Leandro Damiao.