Casemiro of Manchester United passes the ball in the Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London, England, May 6, 2024. /CFP
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Friday announced the provisional roster of the national team for this year's Copa America. The names of Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus, Thiago Silva and Richarlison were nowhere to be found on the list.
"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," Dorival Junior, manager of Brazil, said. "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," Junior added.
Thiago Silva of Chelsea applauds spectators ahead of the Premier League game against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in London, England, May 5, 2024. /CFP
In his second season with Manchester United during the 2023-24 campaign, Casemiro struggled to get five goals and three assists in 29 appearances. The club is in the eighth place on the Premier League's table with three games to go. Silva announced last month that he will part ways with Chelsea after this season. According to The Athletic, the 39-year-old veteran will join Fluminense.
Concern over the form of Casemiro and Silva was one of the major reasons for Junior to rule the two out of Brazil's provisional squad. He made the decision over Jesus and Richarlison for the same cause. Jesus played 34 games for Arsenal this season, providing only eight goals and eight assists. Richarlison had 12 goals and four assists for Tottenham Hotspur in 31 appearances, but, according to Junior, he suffered an injury recently.
Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur looks on in the Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield in Liverpool, England, May 5, 2024. /CFP
Evanilson of Porto will take Richarlison's spot in the national team. He posted 24 goals and six assists for the Portuguese club in 39 games this season.
"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," Junior said of Evanilson. "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."
The 2024 Copa America is the 48th edition of the tournament and will kick off on June 20 before wrapping up with the final on July 14 in the United States.