Ronaldinho set to return to Brazil squad for match against Ghana

Aug 18, 2011, 15:41 GMT

Rio de Janeiro - Veteran superstar Ronaldinho is set to return to the Brazilian national team after a nine-month absence, when the South American giants play Ghana in London on September 5.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes, under fire for a poor Copa America and for several defeats against big teams like Argentina, France and Germany, announced Thursday the 24-man squad for the friendly game.

Ronaldinho, 31, last wore Brazil's yellow jersey in November, in the defeat against Argentina. Menezes noted, however, that the playmaker is in much better form now that he has returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo.

'After his return to Brazilian football, Ronaldinho started to perform very well,' Menezes said.

'He is becoming a leader and he will probably be one of the reference points we can have in the national team.'

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo is also set to make a comeback with Brazil against Ghana.

Brazil were originally scheduled to play Egypt in Cairo on September 6. However, Egyptian football authorities cancelled the match for security reasons, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced Wednesday the game against Ghana at Craven Cottage in London instead.

Brazil, the hosts of the 2014 World Cup, are further set to play Argentina on September 14 and 28, although those matches will feature only players who are active in domestic football competitions.