Alex and Julio Baptista have been ruled out for Brazil's World Cup Qualifying matches against Venezuela and Colombia.

The Brazilian Football Confederation announced the news on their website, www.cbf.com.br, but did not reveal the nature of the injuries.

Alex Silva and Alex Raphael have been called-up as replacements.

Hamburg defender Alex Silva won the Copa America with the Selecao last year, while Alex Raphael, who plays for Internacional, was named in the squad for the first time.

Alex Raphael told Radio Globo: "I cannot believe it. I think I will realise what is happening only when I arrive at the Granja Comary.

"This opportunity comes at the best time - I am 26-years-old and enjoy the peak of maturity and form."

Coach Dunga was forced to amend his squad last week with Internazionale striker Adriano coming in for Sevilla's injured forward Luis Fabiano.

The five-time world champions share second place of the South American Qualifying Zone with Argentina and Chile, all level on 13 points, four behind Paraguay.

Brazil meet Venezuela on October 12 and Colombia three days later.

Brazil squad: Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Doni (Roma); Maicon (Internazionale), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Juan Maldonado (Flamengo), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Roma), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Alex Silva (Hamburgo); Lucas (Liverpool), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Anderson (Manchester United), Kaka (Milan), Elano (Manchester City), Josue (Wolfsburg), Alex Raphael (Internacional), Mancini (Internazionale); Robinho, Jo (both Manchester City), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Alexandre Pato (Milan).