Casemiro Injury Update: Is Casemiro Playing Today vs. Norway in World Cup?

After scoring a key goal in the 2-1 World Cup Round of 32 win vs. Japan, Brazil midfielder Casemiro appeared to pick up an injury as he was subbed off right before the final whistle. That’s put his status in question for the Brazil vs. Norway World Cup Round of 16 match.

However, Casemiro said he was fine following the match, explaining he subbed for cramping and adductor pain. The veteran midfielder is expected to play in today’s match, kicking off at 4:00 p.m. ET on FOX.

The fitness of the 34-year-old midfielder remains a question, though. Below, we’ll look at the latest Casemiro injury update and how his status impacts Brazil vs. Norway picks on player projections for PrizePicks.

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Casemiro Injury Update: Is Casemiro Playing Today vs. Norway in World Cup Round of 16?

Casemiro’s substitution came at the 90th minute in the 2-1 win over Japan. Between playing nearly the entire match paired with his reassurance following the win, Brazil supporters can let out a sigh of relief.

His absence in the midfield would have been a major blow, as RW Raphinha could miss his third consecutive game and MF Lucas Paquetá will be out due to a hamstring injury vs. Norway. 

While the aging Casemiro receives regular criticism for his frequent yellow cards and lack of speed, he produced Brazil’s first goal when they were trailing 1-0 vs. Japan in the Round of 32.

According to FotMob, Casemiro has produced 51.7 successful passes (73rd percentile), 3.43 accurate long balls (87th percentile), and 7.16 duels won per 90 (87th percentile). He’s still providing some value, and the midfield should be key against a dangerous Norway attack, as Brazil could look to play keepaway. 

Norway has produced 2.5 goals per match (tied for fifth) and 8.3 expected goals (tied for seventh). ST Erling Haaland remains a major threat with 5 goals in three matches, as he contends for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.

Brazil has a 57.7% average possession (12th) compared to Norway’s 49.8% (tied for 22nd). If the Brazilians can control the ball, aided by Casemiro, Norway and Haaland’s shots can be limited.

Casemiro has reached 90 minutes in only one of four matches, though. That still opens the door for a shakeup to Brazil vs. Norway picks if Casemiro has an early exit. Who could benefit if he is substituted in the Round of 16?

Find our Brazil vs. Norway prediction and expert picks HERE!

What Brazil Players to Target for PrizePicks if Casemiro Is Limited?

Casemiro played for only 45 minutes on Matchday 1 vs. Morocco and 65 minutes on Matchday 3 against Scotland. Following his exit against Japan, the veteran midfielder has been subbed in three of four matches. 

His battle with cramps against Japan in the domed NRG Stadium suggests a lack of fitness. Sunday will bring far harsher conditions, as the Round of 16 match will be played at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium in temperatures sitting in the mid-80s. More cramping is certainly in the picture.

If we see Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti turn to his bench, who could replace Casemiro?

MF Danilo Santos is expected to replace Lucas Paquetá in the starting lineup. 

We’ve seen LW Gabriel Martinelli log 24, 24, and 26 minutes over the last three matches. Perhaps Brazil could insert Martinelli into the starting XI, putting him in an attacking midfielder role to replace Paquetá. In this case, Santos would likely be the first off the bench to replace Casemiro.

If Santos does start, keep an eye on MF Fabinho to take over for Casemiro.

Here’s who could benefit for Brazil vs. Norway picks on PrizePicks if Casemiro is subbed in the World Cup Round of 16.

• MF Danilo Santos — 0.5 Shots (Goblin), 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin), 0.5 Assists (Demon)
• LW Gabriel Martinelli — 1.5 Shots / 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin) / 0.5 Goal + Assist (Demon)
• MF Fabinho — 0.5 Fouls Drawn (Goblin) / 0.5 Goal + Assist (Demon) / 1.5 Shots (Demon)

Fabinho could be the potential substitute to back over Santos. Either player could be inserted into the starting lineup in place of Paquetá.

Through four matches, Santos tallied 10, 9, 0, and 1 minutes. In comparison, Fabinho logged minutes of 45, 0, 25, and 1. When Casemiro played for only 45 minutes vs. Morocco, it was Fabinho who subbed in and went on to log 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw.

Combine Brazil to Win + Fabinho picks on PrizePicks

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Brazil is already battling injury issues with Paquetá out and Raphinha potentially missing his third straight match. Fortunately, Casemiro seems good to go following an injury scare vs. Japan. 

However, Casemiro’s fitness is still in question, drawing our eye to Brazil’s backup midfielders for Sunday’s match vs. Norway.

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