SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazil coach Dunga dropped Kaka from his squad for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers because the AC Milan playmaker is still recovering from knee surgery.

Dunga said in a statement that Kaka could not join the team until June 10, meaning he would not have enough time to train with the squad before Brazil's match against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina on June 18.

The FIFA player of the year is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery performed in Rio de Janeiro on May 23.

"We decided to spare the player, who is recovering," Dunga said. "His participation in those two games would be premature."

Kaka will be replaced by Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes.