Menezes explains Alex stance

Alex: Knee problem

Brazil boss Mano Menezes claims Chelsea were fully aware that Alex would be involved in international action on Wednesday.

The centre-half was a surprise inclusion in the Brazil squad for their friendly with Argentina in Doha, given that his club have all but written him off until next year with a knee injury.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Tuesday that Alex may require surgery to resolve the issue, ruling him out for up to eight weeks.

However, the commanding defender took a place on the bench for his national side in midweek and was involved in the pre-match warm-up.

Chelsea are reported to be unimpressed at the treatment of their player, but Menezes insists he ran his plans by the Premier League outfit before sending Alex out.

Integrity

He claims it is now up to the Blues whether they send the 28-year-old for an operation, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.

"I am happy to explain because we have a good relationship with the clubs and try to preserve above all the player's integrity," said Menezes.

"There was a consultation between the Chelsea doctor and our national team doctor, whose opinion was that it would be good for Alex to practise and maybe play a few minutes (he stayed on the bench throughout).

"It's a decision for Chelsea whether to have surgery and when to have it."