- Casemiro, 32, was named Brazil’s captain last year after the World Cup.
- He has been enduring a difficult season at United and recently filled in at centre-back.
- Erik ten Hag has ‘lost his mind’ in ‘CAR-CRASH’ head coach role at Man United – Listen to the It’s all starting! podcast
Brazil have left Manchester United star Casemiro out of their squad for this summer’s Copa America.
The midfielder has endured a difficult season with United in the Premier League, most recently filling in at centre-back in an injury crisis that did little to improve his chances of continuing with his national team.
The 32-year-old was named captain of his country in March last year and missed the last call-up, which included a friendly against England, through injury, although this time it appears he missed out due to selection.
He has made 75 appearances for his country in total since his debut in 2011, but his international career now hangs in the balance at the end of what has been a campaign to forget for the midfielder.
Although several Premier League stars have been included in the squad, other big-name stars playing in England’s top flight have been missing out on what is new coach Dorival Junior’s first squad for a major tournament.
Casemiro, a Manchester United and Brazil player, has been eliminated from his team’s squad for the Copa América
Tottenham’s Richarlison (left) and Manchester United’s Antony (right) have also been left out of the squad.
The team is the first new coach that Dorival Junior will take to a major tournament as head
Casemiro’s teammate Antony, who has been in and out of United this season, has also been left without a place in the Brazilian squad for the tournament, which begins on June 21.
The winger has played 28 Premier League games this season, tallying just one goal and one assist, and his difficult time at the club continues since his £85.5million transfer from Ajax.
The 24-year-old has not played for his country since before he was investigated over allegations of domestic abuse.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Richarlison spent time as Brazil’s main striker but has struggled for fitness this season.
In the last international break he was an unused substitute against England and Spain and is now out of the team despite scoring 12 goals this season. He has played 48 games with the South American team.
Across north London, Gabriel Jesus has also been left out of the squad after losing his place in the Arsenal team.
After a fast start to life at the Emirates last season following his departure from Manchester City, his form has deteriorated and he now finds himself as a second striker behind Kai Havertz.
The 27-year-old scored 19 goals in 64 total games for his country and was also not in the last call-up, which was Junior’s first.
Premier League stars included in the squad are goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson from Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
The pair are set to battle once again for the No. 1 spot after both missed the team’s final due to injury.
There are places in the squad for Arsenal duo Gabriel (left) and Gabriel Martinelli (right)
However, there is no place for Gunners striker Gabriel Jesus, who has 19 goals for Brazil.
Meanwhile, Ederson (center) and Alisson (right) will battle for the team’s number one spot.
In defence, Arsenal’s Gabriel forms part of the team, with an all-Premier League midfield consisting of Newcastle’s Burno Guimaraes, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, Fulham’s Andreas Pereira, Wolves’ Joao Gomes and West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá.
Up front, there is a place for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, while teenage sensation Endrick, who scored against England at Wembley in March, is named.