Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea stars axed as Brazil name Copa America squad

Brazil have confirmed their initial 23-player squad list for this summer's Copa America, with the likes of Casemiro, Thiago Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison missing out on a spot.

The Selecao are going in search of their tenth South American title and are among the favourites to go all the way in this year's tournament, which will be held in the USA.

Head coach Dorival Junior confirmed his 23-player squad on Friday, and he was not afraid to make unpopular or controversial decisions.

Casemiro, Brazil's captain, has been left off the list following an extremely poor season at club level with Manchester United.

Arsenal forward Jesus has not hit the same heights of last season after suffering a knee injury with Brazil at the 2022 World Cup and has also missed out on a place in the squad. Outgoing Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, who will return to his homeland with Fluminense this summer, has been overlooked by Dorival as well.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has led the line for Brazil at their last few major tournaments and is one of few active players who have scored double-digits of goals for the Selecao. He too will remain at home this summer, though this is due to injury.

Speaking to the press, Dorival said of his surprise selections: «Casemiro deserves respect from all of us. Three months ago, I told him what I expected from him. He knows very well what I think of him. Tomorrow I will make contact with him, explaining what I believe could happen in the future. He is a player who deserves consideration and that we continue to believe in an athlete of this level.

»The same with Thiago Silva, who I spoke to ten days ago. He has history in the Brazilian team and must be respected. The non-call is due to what we believe