Brazil manager Fernando Diniz has described the loss of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro as a huge one for his team.
The South American giants have been struggling in recent World Cup qualifying games.
A 2-1 loss to Colombia on Thursday has put them in fifth place in the qualifying section, albeit with plenty of games to go.
Casemiro picked up a knock during the last international break, which he aggravated in a League Cup game and will keep him out until 2024.
Asked about Casemiro's absence, Diniz stated: It's always good to be able to count on everyone.
It's a shame and a great sadness not to be able to count on Neymar. He is missed in any scenario, as is Casemiro, one of the great player in his position in recent years in world football.
Now opportunities for others appear. All of them (the young players) know that they are here on merit. They are all playing well at big clubs. They must try to act here as naturally as possible."
