Joao Pedro is nominated for World Cup qualifiers in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) — Brighton striker Joao Pedro has been named in Brazil's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old replaces Flamengo striker Pedro, who missed the match after suffering a knee injury during training earlier in the day.

Joao Pedro has made an impressive start to the season for the Seagulls, scoring two goals in his first three games of the Premier League.

He is the third new addition to Brazil's squad for the upcoming two World Cup qualifiers, after William of Cruzeiro and Lucas Moura of Sao Paulo replaced the injured Yan Couto and Savinho.

Brazil will face Ecuador in Curitiba on Friday and Paraguay in Asuncion four days later.

The five-time world champions are currently sixth in the qualifying round of the ten-team South American zone with seven points from six games, eight points behind leaders Argentina.