Maicon Dropped from Brazil Squad: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 10

Brazilian coach Dunga commented on Maicon potentially returning to Brazil via Tales Azzoni of the Associated Press via Yahoo Sports:

"

I respect Maicon and the doors are not closed to any player.

It hurts to take away an opportunity like this from a player, but sometimes things like this can happen. I want to make sure that I do what is best for the national team. I'm in command and I have to make decisions. But we can't make anything definite, I'm not here to judge anybody, we all get a second chance.

 

"

Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 9

Goal.com's Staff provides a statement from Maicon's agent, Antonio Caliendo, discussing his client's situation with Tele Radio Stereo:

"

Maicon will play a few seasons more yet. Just like [former Brazil captain] Cafu.

We know his hobbies outside of the field. Sometimes he has spoken of them.

However, he is a force of nature at work. And when he quits, I suppose that he will disappear from the world of football.

I cannot comment on the incident, but I can say that Dunga and Rinaldi are good friends and that if the coach has taken a decision as severe as this, he will not return [to the squad].

"

Original Text

Brazil right-back Maicon has been dropped from the national team for a "serious breach of discipline." He will be replaced by Monaco defender Fabinho. 

Details of the incident which has led manager Dunga to the decision are still unclear, but Goal.com quotes Brazil general coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi in saying: "Today he has been removed from the squad. I want to thank him for the services provided to the Selecao. It was an internal problem. I will not answer questions about it and would kindly ask that the players are not asked about it."

Andre Penner/Associated Press

Brazil are preparing for Tuesday's friendly fixture against Ecuador, with Maicon's sudden axing from national team matters coming as a sudden shock.

Dunga began his second spell in charge of the Selecao with a 1-0 win over Colombia on Friday, a game in which Maicon featured for the entire 90 minutes.

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

Fabinho comes into the senior squad after initially featuring as part of the under-21 team, and he was delighted to receive the boost, per Reuters (h/t Eurosport): "It took me by surprise, it's incredible, my first call up for the full national team. I was playing video games with the other lads and when they told me, no one could believe it."

Maicon had assumed the role that was once so firmly held down by Dani Alves in recent years, but a change in direction made it look as though the Roma defender might take seniority.

For now, it would seem as though that notion is improbable, judging by the drastic nature of this week's dismissal.