Rio de Janerio, 21 March (H.S.):

Brazil's national football team has suffered a major setback with star goalkeeper Alisson Becker ruled out of upcoming international friendlies due to injury the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Friday.

The Selecao face France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti had named Alisson in Thursdays squad announcement but Hugo Souza steps in as replacement.

The 33-year-old will also miss Liverpools next match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday where Giorgi Mamardashvili is likely to start in goal.

Alisson has battled recurring injuries this season including sitting out the UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first leg versus Galatasaray on March 10 despite featuring in the prior two games.

He also missed eight Liverpool matches from October to November due to a hamstring issue.

Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League with 49 points fighting for a top-four spot.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar