Manchester United, Arsenal stars left out of Brazil's Copa America squad

A plethora of notable Premier League players, including representatives from Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, have been left out of Brazil's squad for the Copa America.

The Selecao will be gunning for their 10th title at this year's continental championships in the United States, three years on from being defeated by Argentina in the 2021 final.

Dorival Junior's side have already beaten England and drawn with Spain in a pair of friendly matches this year, and they will also take on Mexico and the USA in exhibition matches before their Copa America campaign gets underway in June.

Brazil announced a 23-player selection for the tournament on Friday, but there was no room for several prominent names, including Manchester United duo Antony and Casemiro, the latter of whom serves as his country's captain.

Casemiro was given the Selecao armband last spring amid a successful debut season with Man United, playing key roles in the Red Devils' EFL Cup triumph and third-placed Premier League finish.

Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison left out of Brazil squad

However, the 32-year-old has experienced a dramatic decline during the 2023-24 campaign, although he has been forced to fill in at centre-back on a few occasions due to the Red Devils' injury crisis.

Casemiro was at fault for two of Crystal Palace's goals in Monday's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Eagles, firstly coming out of his defensive position to unsuccessfully challenge Michael Olise, who subsequently strode forward unchallenged and picked out the bottom corner.

The former Real Madrid man was then robbed of the ball by Daniel Munoz in the second half, allowing the Palace right-back to find Olise for his second of the evening, and he will not compete for his country in the USA.

Another under-performing Man United Brazilian in Antony has also been cut from the Selecao ranks, having only managed three goals and two assists in 37 games for Erik ten Hag's men this term, and he is also still under investigation for allegations of domestic violence towards a former girlfriend, which he denies.

Antony was removed from Brazil's September squad when the accusations came to light, and it has now been over a year since the 24-year-old represented his nation, turning out in a friendly loss to Morocco in March 2023.

Endrick and uncapped Porto striker selected

Further Premier League omissions include Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus and Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison, the former of whom has lost his spot at the tip of the Gunners' attack to Kai Havertz.

Meanwhile, Richarlison enjoyed a brief purple patch in the Spurs frontline but has now suffered a fresh injury according to Dorival Junior, who has instead called up Real Madrid-bound 17-year-old Endrick and uncapped Porto striker Evanilson.

However, all five of Brazil's midfield representatives ply their trade in English football, with Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz, Andreas Pereira, Joao Gomes and Lucas Paqueta called up.

Alisson Becker, Ederson, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli complete the Premier League representation, while there is no Neymar involved as the Al-Hilal attacker recuperates from his ACL injury.

Brazil squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico PR), Ederson (Manchester City)

Defenders: Lucas Beraldo (PSG), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Gabriel (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Arama (Athletico MG), Wendell (Porto)

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Joao Gome (Wolves), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

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