“I’ll make contact…” Casemiro handed lifeline following harsh Brazil decision

Casemiro has been handed a lifeline from Brazil manager Dorival Junior, who announced his squad for the upcoming Copa America tournament this week.

The Brazil team for the summer tournament has been confirmed, and the 23-man squad does not include the Manchester United midfielder.

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Casemiro, 32, has not missed a competitive tournament for his country since 2016 but his form for United has impacted Brazil manager Dorival Júnior’s decision.

After a successful first season at Old Trafford, the 32-year-old midfielder has struggled in the Premier League this term. His latest performance during the 4-0 loss against Crystal Palace may have been his worst since joining the club.

However, despite the setback for Casemiro, there is hope for him to still make the summer tournament, with Brazil only naming 23 players so far. There are 26 squad spaces available.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Júnior addressed the shock decision to leave Casemiro out of the squad and assured that it was a long-thought decision.

“With regard to Casemiro, he deserves all our respect. I had a conversation with him in Manchester about three months ago, I explained what I thought of his moment, his team, what I needed,” he told reporters, as per Globo Esporte.

“It doesn’t mean that – because he’s not coming at the moment – that he is or will be ruled out, in any sense. He knows very well what I think about him, and I think that’s the main thing.”

He concluded: “Tomorrow, I’ll calmly make contact with Casemiro, of course putting forward what I believe could happen in the future.

“Not least because he’s a player who deserves consideration, affection, respect and that we continue to believe in an athlete of this level.”