The Brazilian national team have revealed that Casemiro could miss Manchester United’s crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Sunday due to injury.
The midfielder, who joined Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2022 for £60m, played the full 90 minutes in the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Everton last Saturday.
But it appears the 32-year-old could be sidelined for their match at Old Trafford, with his national side claiming he has not been selected for the upcoming matches against England and Spain.
The nature of the injury is still unknown, but according to Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, Casemiro will not be available for selection as he has been replaced in the squad by Porto midfielder Pepe.
On Saturday, head coach Dorival Junior announced his 26-man squad for next week’s two friendlies, explaining that Pepe had been called up in place of the Man United player.
Casemiro could miss Man United’s crucial FA Cup match against rivals Liverpool due to injury
Brazilian head coach Dorival Junior was forced to leave him out of the squad for the upcoming matches against England and Spain
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‘We just received a report from Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar,” said the Brazilian manager.
‘From a preliminary list made by the technical committee of the Brazilian national team of 50 names, 13 of them were already absent due to injury at their clubs. Unfortunately we also lost Casemiro.
“That’s why Pepe from Porto, an indigenous striker who now plays as a midfielder, is called up.”
The announcement was made during a press conference, with the five-time World Cup winners also writing on POR).
‘He was called up to replace Casemiro of Manchester United (ING), who was ruled out due to injury and missed the friendlies against England and Spain on March 23 and 26 respectively.’
It comes as United manager Erik ten Hag revealed this week that his side could welcome back several stars from injury, including midfielder Mason Mount.
Mount has not featured for the Red Devils since their 1-0 win against Luton in November after picking up a calf injury. The former Chelsea star joined Old Trafford for £60 million this summer but has endured an injury-plagued season, making just 12 appearances for his new club.
“It’s a real shame, really disappointing for him,” Ten Hag said of Mount’s injury woes this season.
‘But also for us if you have such a class player in your midst and you can’t play him. He has, as we all know, had three injuries, so he never got into his rhythm at any point.
But I’m sure if he is fit he will play, get into that rhythm and contribute to a successful Manchester United.”
Erik ten Hag announced midweek that his team could welcome midfielder Mason Mount after a long injury break
Casemiro has played nine of Man United’s previous matches, playing 90 minutes in the last three games
Casemiro, meanwhile, has featured in United’s last nine games in all competitions, most notably playing 90 minutes in the last three matches against Everton, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
His absence will be a major blow for United as the Brazilian has already missed a large part of the season after being sidelined with a hamstring injury in November.
Brazil take on Gareth Southgate at Wembley on Saturday, with Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all included in the squad.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was also left out of the squad as the shot-stopper was ruled out in February due to a hamstring problem.