Corinthians pair in 23-man Brazil squad for Russia

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 15 (Reuters) - Gremio centre half Pedro Geromel and Corinthians pair Cassio and Fagner were the surprise inclusions in Brazil's 23-man World Cup squad on Monday.

Geromel has just two caps but was outstanding in leading the Porto Alegre side to the Copa Libertadores last season.

Fagner and Manchester City's Danilo are the two right backs drafted in to replace Dani Alves, who was ruled out with a knee injury last weekend.

Cassio, who has just one cap, was selected as the third goalkeeper behind regulars Alisson (Roma) and Ederson (Manchester City).

Neymar, who was been out with an injured foot since Feb. 25, is in the squad and expected to be fit by early June.

The only country to win the World Cup five times, Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17 before playing Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.