The Brazilian national team has revealed that Casemiro could miss Manchester United’s decisive FA Cup quarter-final match against Liverpool on Sunday due to injury.
The midfielder, who arrived at Old Trafford in a £60million transfer from Real Madrid in 2022, played the full 90 minutes during the Red Devils’ 2-0 win against Everton last Saturday.
But it appears the 32-year-old could be sidelined for their match at Old Trafford, with his national team claiming he has not been selected for their 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 the team, having been replaced in the squad by Porto midfielder Pepe.
On Saturday, coach Dorival Junior announced his 26-man squad for next week’s two friendlies and explained that Pepe had been recruited in place of the Man United player.
Casemiro could miss Man United’s decisive FA Cup clash against rivals Liverpool due to injury
Brazil coach Dorival Junior was forced to exclude him from his team for upcoming matches against England and Spain.
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“We have just received a report from Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar,” said the Brazilian coach.
‘Of a pre-list made by the technical committee of the Brazilian National Team with 50 names, 13 of them were already absent due to injury in their clubs. Unfortunately we also lost Casemiro.
“For this reason, Pepe, from Porto, a native striker who now plays as a midfielder, is called up.”
The announcement was made during a press conference, in which the five-time world champions also wrote on Striker Pepe, from Porto (POR).
“He was called up to replace Casemiro, from Manchester United (ING), who was sidelined due to injury and is out of 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 squad could welcome back several stars from injury, including midfielder Mason Mount.
Mount has not played for the Red Devils since their 1-0 win against Luton in November after suffering a calf injury. The former Chelsea star arrived at Old Trafford in the summer for £60million, but she has endured an injury-plagued season and made just 12 appearances for his new club.
“It’s really unfortunate, really disappointing for him,” Ten Hag said of Mount’s injury problems this season.
“But also for us when you have such a classy player in your midst and you can’t play with him.” He has had three injuries, as we all know, so at no time did he get into any rhythm.
“But I am sure that when he is fit he will play, get into that rhythm and contribute to Manchester United’s success.”
Erik ten Hag revealed in midweek that his team could welcome midfielder Mason Mount back after a long injury layoff.
Casemiro has featured in nine of Man United’s previous matches and has played 90 minutes in their last three matches.
Casemiro, meanwhile, has appeared in United’s last nine games in all competitions, notably playing 90 minutes in their last three matches against Everton, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
His absence will be a big blow for United, with the Brazilian already missing much of the season after being sidelined with a hamstring injury in November.
Brazil will take on Gareth Southgate’s side on Saturday at Wembley, with Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Lucas Paquetá included in the squad.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was also not named in the squad, with the goalkeeper being ruled out with a hamstring problem in February.