Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has withdrawn from the Brazil squad with injury.
The Brazilian federation (CBF) confirmed on Saturday that the 32-year-old, who has won 75 caps for his country, would play no part in friendlies with England and Spain later this month.
Porto striker Pepe has been called up in his place.
The news also throws into doubt his participation in the FA Cup quarter-final with Liverpool on Sunday.
Advertisement
United are already without a host of first-team players for the game at Old Trafford with defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as well as striker Anthony Martial all missing due to injuries.
Fellow absentees Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are in line to return, however, with Mason Mount — who has been sidelined since November with a calf problem — also set to be part of the squad.
The England international, 25, joined United from Chelsea in a deal worth £60million ($76.7m) in July but has gone on to make just 12 appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side.
United return to action following the international break with a trip to Brentford on March 30 before visiting Mount’s former club Chelsea on April 4.
(Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Read the full article here