Kaká is back in.
After being left off the Brazilian national team roster for the upcoming Copa América Centenario, the Orlando City star has been recalled by Brazil's manager, Dunga, to replace injured Bayern Munich midfielder Douglas Costa, the Brazilian federation announced on Thursday evening.
Kaká is expected to join his countrymen immediately at their camp at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles, which means he would miss Orlando City's match at NYCFC on Sunday (4:30 pm ET, ESPN).
Costa was forced to withdraw with a left thigh injury, according to the federation.
Kaká, 34, was originally named to the 40-man provisional squad, but was left off the final 23-man roster in favor of younger midfield options. His return means an instant infusion of experience and success for Brazil. Kaká is the most capped player on the team, with 91 international appearances, and the highest scorer, with 29 goals to his name. The only other player on the squad with double-digit goals is Hulk (12 goals).
Beyond the stats, Kaká's international career includes three World Cup tournaments, including the 2002 World Cup, which Brazil won. He also won the 2005 and 2009 Confederation Cup tournaments.
However, strangely, for a player with such a resume, Kaká has never appeared in a Copa América.
Loaded with talent like Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Zenit's Hulk, Brazil are one of the favorites to lift the Copa this summer. They are the top seeds in Group B, and will face Ecuador (June 4 in Pasadena, CA), Haiti (June 8 in Orlando, FL), and Peru (June 12 in Foxboro, MA).
For tickets to Copa América Centenario matches, go to CA2016.com/tickets.
