Ronaldinho, Adriano ruled out of Brazil's World Cup squad

Ronaldinho and Adriano both were ruled out of Dunga's 23-strong squad for the World Cup announced on Tuesday.

The double absence did not come as a surprise as the duo played only minor roles in qualifying for the June 11-July 11 World Cup in South Africa.

The 30-year-old Ronaldinho, part of the 2002 World Cup-winning team, made his last appearance for Brazil in April 2009 while Dunga had expressed concern over Adriano's missed club training and weight problems.

Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, have been drawn in Group G alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Portugal and DPR Korea.

Following is the squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter/Italy), Doni (Roma/Italy), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham/England)

Defenders: Luisao (Benfica/Portugal), Lucio (Inter/Italy), Juan (Roma/Italy), Thiago Silva (AC Milan/Italy), Daniel Alves ( Barcelona/Spain), Maicon (Inter/Italy), Michel Bastos (Lyon/France) , Gilberto (Cruzeiro)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos/Greece), Josue ( Wolfsburg/Germany), Elano (Galatasaray/Turkey), Kaka (Real Madrid/ Spain), Ramires (Benfica/Portugal), Felipe Melo (Juventus/Italy), Julio Baptista (Roma/Italy), Kleberson (Flamengo)

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla/Spain), Nilmar (Villarreal/ Spain), Grafite (Wolfsburg/Germany), Robinho (Santos)