RIO DE JANEIRO, May 21 (SW) - Chelsea defender Alex will not be able to make an appearance in Brazil's upcoming friendly matches as result of injury.

Alex, who has been one of Dunga's regular picks lately, suffered an unknown injury and misses out on the Seleçao's friendlies with Canada, on May 31st, and Venezuela a week later.

Brazil play their fifth World Cup qualification match against Paraguay on June 15th and face arch rivals Argentina on June 18th.

Whether Alex will be fit to represent his country in those matches remains unknown.