Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has pulled out of the Brazil squad due to injury, throwing his participation in Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool in major doubt.
Brazil have two matches coming up against England and Spain on 23 March and 26 March respectively, but Casemiro won’t be taking part in any of them.
The defensive midfielder was expected to feature in those games, but the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Saturday night the midfielder is no longer available due to injury.
However, United have not said anything on the matter, which could mean the injury blow is fresh and only happened on Saturday.
A statement from the CBF read (via The Metro): “The coach of the Brazilian team, Dorival Junior, announced, this Saturday (16), the call-up of striker Pepe, from Porto (POR).
“He was called up to replace Casemiro, from Manchester United, who was cut due to injury and is out of the friendlies against England and Spain, on March 23 and 26, respectively.”
Brazil manager Dorival Junior said: “We have just received a report from Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar. From a pre-list made by the Brazilian National Team’s technical committee with 50 names. 13 of them were already away due to injuries at their clubs.
“Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro. Therefore, Pepe, from Porto, a native striker who now plays as a midfielder, is called up.”
Casemiro, who hasn’t shown his best form this season, has started 21 games in his second campaign at United. His presence will be missed against Liverpool and it concerned me that we’ve not got any alternative options to Casemiro in the squad.
Hopefully, it’s not a serious knock.
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