Manchester United may face a setback ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool as Casemiro has been forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad due to injury.
The defensive midfielder has been a consistent presence in the Premier League for Erik Ten Hag’s team since recovering from a previous knock in January.
He has featured in almost every league fixture this year, except for one. However, Casemiro’s absence could see him miss his 18th game of the season for United.
A statement released by the Brazilian Football Federation confirms that Porto forward Pepe will step in to replace the 32-year-old in the latest Selecao squad.
“The coach of the Brazilian team, Dorival Júnior, announced, this Saturday (16), the call-up of striker Pepê, from Porto (POR),” the CBF statement reads.
“He was called up to replace Casemiro, from Manchester United, who was cut due to injury and is out of the friendlies against England and Spain, on March 23 and 26, respectively.”
Brazil boss Dorival Junior said of Casemiro: “We have just received a report from Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar.
“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, Pepê, from Porto, a native striker who now plays as a midfielder, is called up.”
Casemiro’s withdrawal has raised doubts about his availability for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford, according to reports.
However, there’s positive news for Man United as forward Rasmus Hojland is fit for the match against Liverpool after recovering from a muscle injury.
Additionally, Mason Mount could make a return to action after being sidelined since November with a calf problem.
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