Casemiro axed from Brazil’s Copa America squad

Brazil head coach, Dorival Jr, has announced the exclusion of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro from the squad for the upcoming Copa America tournament next month.

Casemiro, a seasoned player with 75 caps for Brazil, faced a challenging season at Old Trafford and consequently did not find a spot in the 23-man squad assembled by Dorival Jr.

Joining Casemiro in the list of omissions are Tottenham forward Richarlison, Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, and Casemiro’s United teammate Antony.

Notably absent from the squad is Neymar, who continues his recovery from a knee ligament injury sustained during Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay last October.

Among the nine Premier League players selected for the Copa America are Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester City counterpart Ederson. Arsenal’s Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli have also made the cut.

The midfield department sees representation from the Premier League with Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Joao Gomes (Wolves), and Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) all included in the squad.

Dorival Jr has also included teenage Palmeiras striker Endrick, who is set to join Real Madrid this summer. Endrick gained attention as the youngest male goalscorer for club or country at Wembley Stadium when he scored in a friendly against England at just 17 years and 246 days old back in March.

Brazil Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico PR), Ederson (Manchester City)

Defenders: Beraldo (PSG), Militao (Real Madrid), Gabriel (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Danilo (Juventus), Couto (Girona), Arama (Athletico MG), Wendell (Porto)

Midfielders: Pereira (Fulham), Guimaraes (Newcastle), Luiz (Aston Villa), Gomes (Wolves), Paqueta (West Ham)

Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto), Martinelli (Arsenal), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)