Barça's Coutinho withdraws from Brazil squad due to Clasico injury

Philippe Coutinho has dropped out of the Brazil squad and been replaced by Lyon's Lucas Paqueta for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay. 

Coutinho injured his hamstring playing for Barcelona against Real Madrid at the weekend. It's not been revealed how long he will be sidelined for but it's expected to be around three weeks. 

Therefore, Brazil have taken the decision to replace him with Paqueta, who had originally been called up for the Olympic squad. 

The Brazil squad will join up on Nov. 9. On Nov. 13, they face Venezuela in Sao Paulo and four days later they take on Luis Suarez's Uruguay in Montevideo. 

Brazil are top of the South American qualifying group with six points from their two games, the same as Argentina. However, their goal difference is better after 5-0 and 4-2 wins against Bolivia and Peru respectively. 

Barça, meanwhile, hope to have Coutinho back for their trip to Atletico Madrid after November's international break.