Rio de Janeiro, Oct 31

AC Milan winger Robinho is set to replace Diego Costa in Brazil's squad to play Honduras and Chile in international friendlies next month, according to media reports.

Brazil-born Costa has been cut from the Selecao squad after signing an official document expressing his wish to represent his adopted country Spain, reported Xinhua. 

Robinho, absent from Brazil's national team since 2011, impressed coach Luiz Felipe Scolari by scoring during Milan's 1-1 Champions League draw with Barcelona last week, Folha de S.Paulo reported Wednesday.

Despite the Selecao's emphatic 3-0 victory over Spain in the Confederations Cup final in June, Brazil's dearth of central strikers has caused concern for Scolari.

Fluminense forward Fred occupied the No.9 slot during the first half of the year but has not played for more two months due to a serious thigh injury.

Scolari's other attacking options include Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato and Internacional's Leandro Damiao, who have both struggled for form in Brazil's top flight.

While Robinho traditionally favours a wide role, it is understood Scolari sees the 29-year-old adapting to a central position, as he has done for AC Milan in recent weeks.

Brazil will play Honduras in Miami Nov 16 followed by a clash against Chile in Toronto three days later.

By:IANS