Richarlison, Thiago Silva, Casemiro, and Gabriel Jesus are not included in Dorival Junior’s preliminary Brazil team for the Copa America 2024.
Casemiro, a midfielder for Manchester United, has had a challenging season, raising questions about whether the 32-year-old can still play at the highest level for both club and nation.
Thiago Silva, a defender for Chelsea, is also not included in the roster. The 39-year-old will join Brazilian team Fluminese after leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2023–24 campaign, according to a previous story from The Athletic.
Regarding Casemiro and Silva, Brazil’s manager Junior stated: “Casemiro deserves respect from all of us.” I told him what I expected of him three months ago. He is completely aware of my opinions about him.
“I will get in touch with him tomorrow to let him know what might happen. We still view him as a player at this level and believe he is a player who merits attention.
“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.”
Jesus, an Arsenal striker, has similarly had trouble keeping up a steady performance level this season, being in and out of the team at different points in the campaign. In all competitions, the 27-year-old has eight goals and eight assists.
In 31 games this season, Tottenham forward Richarlison—who Junior claims recently had an injury—has tallied 12 goals and four assists. The 24-year-old Porto striker Evanilson, who has made 39 appearances this season and scored 24 goals and supplied six assists, was chosen by the Brazil boss to take his spot.
(Mariana Bazo/Getty Images)
Dorival Junior commented on Richarlison and Evanilson, saying, “He is a player who has been capturing the attention.” He is truly aware of the role. He can run into space when we attack down the flanks and serve as a focal point for the area.
“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.”
Dorival Junior was also questioned regarding his choice of young players over more seasoned veterans, such as 17-year-old attacker Endrick, who is headed to Real Madrid.
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 questioned about Neymar’s potential return for the Copa Ameria after the player suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in October.
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 has till June 12th to make team changes. Dorival Junior could have chosen up to 26 players for his provisional squad, but he chose to include just 23.
against June 25, Brazil will take against Costa Rica in the Copa America event.
(Top photos by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images, Alex Grimm/Getty Images and Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
