Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus, Thiago Silva and Richarlison have all been left out of Dorival Junior’s provisional Brazil squad for the Copa America 2024.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has endured a difficult season, with doubts arising whether the 32-year-old is still able to compete at the top level for club and country.
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Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has also been left out of the squad. The Athletic previously reported that the 39-year-old will join Brazilian club Fluminese when he leaves Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Brazil manager Junior said on Casemiro and Silva: “Casemiro deserves respect from all of us. Three months ago, I told him what I expected of him. He knows very well what I think of him.
“I will contact him tomorrow and explain what the future may hold. He’s a player who deserves consideration and we continue to see him as a player at this level.
“It’s the same with Thiago Silva, who I spoke to 10 days ago. They have history with the Brazil team and must be respected. Not calling (those players) up is just down to what we believe is best at this moment.”
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Arsenal striker Jesus has also struggled to maintain consistent performance levels this season finding himself in and out of the side throughout the campaign. The 27-year-old has scored eight goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
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Tottenham forward Richarlison, who Junior said recently sustained an injury, has scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances this season. In his place, the Brazil manager selected 24-year-old Porto striker Evanilson who has scored 24 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances this season.
(Mariana Bazo/Getty Images)
Speaking on Richarlison and Evanilson, Dorival Junior said: “He’s a player who has been catching the eye. He really understands the position. He can be a focal point in the area and also run into space when we attack down the flanks.
“He’s a very interesting player. If he plays as he has been for his club, he will surprise people. He surprised us when we watched him. I considered him for my first squad and now, after the news that Richarlison picked up an injury this morning (May 10), we’re counting on him.”
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Dorival Junior was also asked about his decision to select several youngsters including 17-year-old Real Madrid-bound forward Endrick, as opposed to established senior players.
He said: “Even though we have young players, the majority of them are playing at the highest level, in big competitions.
“They may be young but they have vast experience. It’s a strong, compact and combative team. Brazilian football has a lot to give and I hope that this team represents all of us.”
(PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)
Dorival Junior was asked whether Neymar, who was initially ruled out of the Copa Ameria after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October could yet be fit for the tournament.
He said: “No, he’s not available at this moment. Changes can happen but theoretically, this will be the squad for the Copa America.”
Brazil still have until June 12 to change their squad. Dorival Junior opted to only select 23 players for his provisional squad despite being allowed to select up to 26.
Brazil begin their Copa America tournament against Costa Rica on June 25.
Brazil squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico Paranaense), Ederson (Manchester City).
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Wendell (Porto), Lucas Beraldo (PSG), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG).
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Joao Gomes (Wolves), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
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(Top photos by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images, Alex Grimm/Getty Images and Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
