Manchester United have suffered a significant injury blow just hours before their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool - and it could destroy Erik ten Hag's gameplan for the match.
It has been an encouraging week for United injury-wise, with Mason Mount set to be included in the squad for the first time since November after recovering from a muscle injury.
Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have also all returned to training this week as Ten Hag edges closer to being able to name his strongest XI.
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But with match plans now surely set in stone for the Liverpool fixture, which kicks off at 3:30pm, the Dutchman might have to perform a late U-turn.
That is because the Brazil national team have confirmed that midfielder Casemiro has been withdrawn from their squad for the upcoming international break, and replaced by Porto forward Pepe.
The Brazilian FA confirmed on X (Twitter) that Casemiro is out of the squad through injury, meaning he cannot play in the friendlies against England and Spain on March 23 and 26.
Unlike England, Brazil announced their squad two weeks ago, with Casemiro having played several games for United since then.
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He is United's most defensive option in midfield, and has begun to form a partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.
It is unclear when the 32-year-old picked up his injury, and United have yet to officially comment on the situation. However, he now must be considered a major doubt for the Liverpool clash.
Casemiro's likely replacement would be Scott McTominay, who has performed better for United of late in a more advanced midfield role.
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Sofyan Amrabat could also come into the side, although he has failed to hit the ground running at Old Trafford since his summer loan move from Fiorentina.
While Casemiro has struggled for form this season, Ten Hag does not have a natural replacement for the Brazilian's style of play in his squad - meaning he may have to shift some pieces around if a late change to the planned XI has to made.
Topics: Manchester United, Casemiro, Liverpool, FA Cup, Erik Ten Hag
