SAO PAULO -- The Brazilian football confederation says left back Marcelo has been dropped from Brazil's Copa America squad because of an injury.
The confederation says he will be replaced by 21-year-old Geferson, who plays for Brazilian club Internacional. It is the first time Geferson has been summoned for the national team.
Real Madrid said on Saturday that Marcelo has been diagnosed with a lower back problem.
Brazil will begin its preparation for the continental tournament in Chile on Monday. It will play friendlies against Mexico on June 7 in Sao Paulo and against Honduras on June 10 in Porto Alegre.
The five-time winners will open its Copa America campaign against Peru on June 14.