RIO DE JANEIRO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Corinthians midfielder Paulinho has been ruled out of Brazil's friendlies against Italy and Russia with a thigh injury.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury during Corinthians' 3-0 victory over Uniao Barbarense in Brazil's Campeonato Paulista on Saturday.

"A scan today showed a strain in the left quadriceps, and he will be out of action for seven to 10 days," Corinthians doctor Julio Stancati said on Sunday.

Brazil will meet Italy in Geneva on March 21 before facing Russia in London four days later.

Striker Diego Costa, who scored both goals in Atletico Madrid's 2-0 away victory over Osasuna on Sunday, is also in doubt for the friendlies with an ankle injury.