Roma refuse to release duo

Roma are refusing to release goalkeeper Doni and defender Juan for Brazil’s friendlies against England and Oman.

Doni and Juan missed Roma’s 1-1 draw with Inter Milan on Sunday due to a thigh injury and a calf strain respectively, and the club want the players to receive treatment in Italy rather than fly to the Middle East with their country.

Roma’s sporting human resources manager Gianpaolo Montali told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Doni and Juan will stay in Rome to have treatment, given that Brazil are only playing two friendlies and the regulations allow it.

“We have sent an urgent fax to the Brazilian Football Federation with all the necessary documentation.

“If the national team doctors want to verify the condition of their players, they can come to Rome to do it.”

Brazil face fellow World Cup finalists England in Doha on Saturday and then Oman in Muscat three days later.