Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is out of the Brazil squad for this month's friendlies against England and Spain due to injury, coach Dorival Junior said on Saturday, with Porto winger Pepe set to take his place.
It's a huge blow for United as the midfielder, who is normally one of the first names on Erik ten Hag's teamsheets, will now miss the huge FA Cup quarter-final clash against their arch rivals Liverpool.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 3.30pm.
Casemiro is the latest absence for Brazil, following injuries to Man City keeper Ederson, Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli and Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos, ahead of a match at Wembley on March 23rd and one in Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu three days later.
"From a preliminary list of 50 names, 13 had already been ruled out by injury at their clubs," coach Junior said.
"Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro. Pepe, from Porto, a forward by origin and now a midfielder, has been called up."
It is the 27-year-old Pepe's second call-up by Brazil, after his debut in a 2-1 loss to Colombia in a World Cup qualifier last year.
Dorival named Vasco da Gama keeper Leo Jardim, Flamengo defender Fabricio Bruno and Porto forward Galeno to replace the injured. It is the first call-up to the national side for all three players.
