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Luiz Gustavo leaves Brazil squad citing personal issues

Luiz Gustavo became the sixth player to pull out of Brazil's Copa America squad on Thursday.

The Wolfsburg midfielder cited personal issues and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) granted his request to return home from the United States.

He was replaced on the squad by uncapped Gremio midfielder Walace.

"Luiz Gustavo had already reported the existence of the problem to the technical committee in Brazil," a CBF statement said.

"His presence among family members is required. The coaching staff and players are in solidarity with their teammate, all hoping the problem is solved as soon as possible."

The decision is the latest in a number of injuries to rock the Selecao since they announced their squad last month.

Striker Ricardo Oliveira was the first to leave the team after suffering a knee injury. Then last week, Bayern Munich's Douglas Costa pulled out of the team with a thigh injury and was replaced by Orlando City's Kaka, who himself dropped out on Wednesday.

Barcelona's Rafinha and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson left the team on Tuesday with muscle injuries.

Defender Miranda is also a doubt after picking up a knock in training on Wednesday.

Brazil open their Copa America campaign against Ecuador in Pasadena, California, on Saturday.

The updated Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Internacional), Diego Alves (Valencia), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Fabinho (Monaco), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atletico Mineiro), Miranda (Inter Milan), Gil (Shandong Luneng), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo)

Midfielders: Elias (Corinthians), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Lucas Lima (Santos), Willian (Chelsea), Lucas Moura (Paris Saint-Germain), Walace (Gremio)

Forwards: Hulk (Zenit), Ricardo Oliveira (Santos), Gabriel (Santos), Ganso (Sao Paulo)