Injury Blow for Man Utd Before Liverpool Clash
Manchester United has been dealt a major blow ahead of their highly-anticipated FA Cup showdown with Liverpool. Midfielder Casemiro has pulled out of the Brazil squad due to injury, casting doubt on his availability for the match. Brazil was scheduled to play friendly games against England and Spain on March 23 and March 26 respectively, during the international break.
Casemiro’s absence from the Brazil squad was confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation on Saturday night. The statement read, “The coach of the Brazilian team, Dorival Júnior, announced, this Saturday (16), the call-up of striker Pepê, from Porto (POR). 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.”
Brazil boss Dorival Junior expressed his disappointment over Casemiro’s injury, stating that they had received a report from Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar. Out of the pre-list of 50 names made by the Brazilian National Team’s technical committee, 13 players were already sidelined due to injury at their respective clubs. Unfortunately, Casemiro has now joined that list. As a result, Pepê, a native striker who now plays as a midfielder for Porto, has been called up to the squad.
The nature and severity of Casemiro’s injury have not been disclosed by the five-time World Cup winners. However, his withdrawal from the Brazil squad suggests that he will not be available for United’s quarter-final clash against Liverpool. This comes as a blow to United, as Casemiro has scored five goals for the team this season.
Casemiro’s injury is not the only setback for Manchester United. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia are also on the injured list. Despite these absences, United will still have Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka available. Additionally, Mason Mount is in contention to make his first appearance since November.
The absence of Casemiro will undoubtedly be felt by Manchester United as they prepare to face their arch-rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup. The midfielder’s contributions and goal-scoring ability will be sorely missed. It remains to be seen how United will cope without him and if they can still emerge victorious in this crucial match.