Just as Manchester United’s injury crisis appeared to be easing, midfielder Casemiro has now withdrawn from the Brazil national team squad.
Erik ten Hag was already without key defenders Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw for their recent Premier League win over Everton, with Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire also not included in the starting XI.
Casemiro may have had a dip in form this season, but his experience and nous in midfield cannot be underestimated, especially ahead of a clash with Liverpool.
The Sporting News takes a look at the latest updates surrounding the 32-year-old’s availability and whether he will miss their FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.
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Casemiro latest injury news
In the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time), the Brazilian Football Confederation announced Casemiro had been withdrawn from their current national team squad due to an injury.
It is unclear what the injury is, with the former Real Madrid star struggling with some fitness issues this campaign.
This will see him miss friendlies against Spain and England during the upcoming international break.
His withdrawal from the Brazil team casts serious doubt over his selection for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against rivals Liverpool.
If ruled out, Casemiro is likely to be replaced by Scott McTominay, who would play in a double-pivot alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
MORE: Man United vs. Liverpool lineups, team news and predicted starting XIs
Lineups, starting 11s, team news for Man United vs. Liverpool
Casemiro is set to miss Sunday’s match after pulling out of the Brazil squad overnight with an injury. Scott McTominay is therefore likely to step in to make up a double pivot with Kobbie Mainoo.
United remain without Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw at the back. Harry Maguire has been out for the last three games but is expected to return.
Rasmus Hojlund is set to return to the starting XI after rejoining training this week following a muscular injury that has kept him sidelined for the past few weeks.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Onana (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Dalot — McTominay, Mainoo — Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho — Hojlund.
Man United subs (9): TBC
A place at Wembley is at stake.
It’s time for the #FACup quarter-finals! ⚔️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/hPAQZcEMHk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 17, 2024
Despite a range of different injuries on both sides, Liverpool are slightly worse off, as they’ll remain without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Stefan Bajcetic, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip.
After a tough test against Manchester City last weekend, Klopp will hope to avoid changing the starting XI too much. Mohamed Salah may not have started a game for Liverpool since New Year’s Day but Reds fans are hopeful he will be fit to return to the starting lineup after coming on as a substitute last weekend.
Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson — Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai — Diaz, Nunez, Salah.
Liverpool subs (9): TBC
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