Brazil deliver Man United hammer blow as they reveal Casemiro is injured, hours before crunch Liverpool showdown

The Brazilian national team have revealed that Casemiro could miss Manchester United‘s crunch FA Cup quarter-final match against Liverpool on Sunday due to injury. 

The midfielder, who arrived at Old Trafford in a £60million move from Real Madrid back in 2022, played the full 90 minutes during the Red Devils’ 2-0 victory against Everton last Saturday. 

But it appears the 32-year-old could be sidelined for their game at Old Trafford, with his national side stating he has not been selected for their upcoming fixtures against England and Spain. 

The nature of the injury is still unknown, but According to Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, Casemiro will not be available for selection, having been replaced in the squad by Porto midfielder, Pepe. 

On Saturday, head coach Dorival Junior announced his 26-man squad for the two friendlies next week and explained that Pepe had been drafted in, in place of the Man United player. 

Brazil’s head coach Dorival Junior was forced to omit him from their squad for their upcoming games against England and Spain

‘We have just received a report from Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar,’ the Brazil manager said.

‘From a pre-list made by the Brazilian National Team’s technical committee with 50 names, 13 of them were already away due to injury at their clubs. Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro.

‘Therefore, Pepe, from Porto, a native 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 X (formerly Twitter): ‘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 (ING), who was cut 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 revelead this week that his side could welcome several stars back from injury, including midfielder Mason Mount. 

Mount has not featured for the Red Devils since their 1-0 victory against Luton back in November after sustaining a calf injury. The former Chelsea star arrived at Old Trafford in the summer for £60m but has endured an injury blighted season making just 12 appearances for his new club.

Erik ten Hag revealed in midweek that his side could welcome back midfielder Mason Mount following a long injury lay-off

Casemiro has featured in nine of Man United’s previous fixtures and has played 90 minutes in their last three matches

Brazil will take on Gareth Southgate’s side on Saturday at Wembley, with Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all being named in the squad. 

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was also not named in the squad, with the shot stopper having been ruled out with a hamstring issue in February.

Casemiro has featured in United’s last nine games across all competitions, notably playing 90 minutes in their last three matches against Everton, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

More to follow…