- Casemiro, 32, was named Brazil’s captain last year on the back of the World Cup
- He has been enduring a tough season at United, recently filling in at centre-back
- Erik ten Hag has ‘lost the plot’ in ‘CAR-CRASH’ head coach role at Man United – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Brazil have left Manchester United star Casemiro out of their squad for this summer’s Copa America.
The midfielder has endured a tough season with United in the Premier League, recently filling in at centre-back in an injury crisis that did little to help his chances of continuing with his national side.
The 32-year-old was named his country’s captain in March last year, and missed the last squad, which featured a friendly against England, through injury, though this time appears to have missed out through selection for the tournament, which will take place in the United States.
He has made 75 appearances for his country in total since his debut in 2011, but his international career is now hanging in the balance at the end of what has been a campaign to forget for the midfielder.
Although a number of Premier League stars have been included in the squad, other big-name stars playing in England’s top flight have missed out in what is new manager Dorival Junior’s first squad for a major tournament.
Manchester United and Brazil man Casemiro has been dropped from his side’s squad for the Copa America
Tottenham’s Richarlison (left) and Manchester United’s Antony (right) have also been left out the squad
The squad is the first new manager Dorival Junior will be taking to a major tournament as boss
Casemiro’s team-mate Antony, who has been in and out of the United side this season, has also missed out on a place in the Brazil squad for the tournament, which starts on June 21.
The winger has played 28 Premier League games this season, picking up just one goal and one assist, with his difficult time at the club continuing since his £85.5million move from Ajax.
The 24-year-old has not played for his country since before he was investigated over allegations of domestic abuse.
Tottenham’s Richarlison, meanwhile, spent a period of time as the main striker for Brazil but has struggled for fitness this season, and his manager has cited injury for his absence from the squad.
In the last international break, he was an unused substitute against both England and Spain and has now found himself out the squad despite netting 12 goals this season. He has made 48 appearances for the South American side.
On the other side of north London, Gabriel Jesus has too found himself out the squad having lost his place in the Arsenal team.
After a fast start to life at the Emirates last season following his move from Manchester City, his form has deteriorated and he now finds himself second-choice striker behind Kai Havertz.
The 27-year-old has scored 19 goals in 64 games in total for his country and also missed out on the last squad, which was Junior’s first.
Premier League stars included in the squad are goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson of Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
The pair are set to once again battle it out for the No 1 spot after both missed out on the last squad through injury.
There are places in the squad for Arsenal duo Gabriel (left) and Gabriel Martinelli (right)
There is no place, however, for Gunners forward Gabriel Jesus, who has 19 goals for Brazil
Ederson (centre) and Alisson (right), meanwhile, will battle it out for the No 1 spot in the team
In defence, Arsenal’s Gabriel makes the squad, with an all-Premier League midfield of Newcastle’s Burno Guimaraes, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, Fulham’s Andreas Pereira, Wolves’ Joao Gomes and West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta named.
Up front, there is a place for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, while teenage sensation Endrick, who scored against England at Wembley in March, is named.