Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will seemingly be unavailable for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, having withdrawn from the latest Brazil squad due to injury.
The 32-year-old had been due to represent his country in their March friendlies with England and Spain.
However, the midfielder has now withdrawn from the squad, with Brazil manager Dorival Junior claiming that the national team's captain is unavailable due to injury.
"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," Junior told reporters.
"Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro. Therefore, Pepe, from Porto, a native striker who now plays as a midfielder, is called up."
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Casemiro had been due to represent Man United against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, but his position in the side is now seemingly in huge doubt.
The 20-time English champions have not provided an update on the experienced midfielder, so it remains to be seen whether he reports to Old Trafford with his teammates for the clash with Jurgen Klopp's side.
Casemiro has made 21 appearances for Man United this season, scoring five goals and registering two assists in the process.
The midfielder returned from a hamstring injury in January, and he has been a vital player for the Red Devils in recent weeks, including netting the winner in the last round of the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest.
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Should Casemiro miss out against Liverpool, Scott McTominay could drop back into a midfield role alongside Kobbie Mainoo, as Rasmus Hojlund is set to return at centre-forward.
Mason Mount is also back to provide another option in midfield, although the England international has not featured for the Red Devils since the middle of November.
Despite Casemiro's importance to Man United this season, there is currently speculation surrounding his future, with a summer exit for the South American thought to be likely.
A number of Saudi Arabian clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation, and Man United are in a strong position when it comes to any potential negotiations, as Casemiro has another two years left to run on his contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
Matt Law
