Everton forward Richarlison said he was lucky to escape serious injury after Edinson Cavani’s tackle in Brazil’s victory over Uruguay.
Brazil defeated rivals Uruguay 2-0 in the South American World Cup qualifiers but interest was piqued within the Manchester United fanbase when striker Edinson Cavani was sent off with 20 minutes remaining.
Cavani was shown a straight red card after the referee used the pitch-side monitor to check his dangerous challenge on Richarlison.
The 33-year-old recklessly used his studs and made contact just above Richarlison’s ankle in an excusable action.
He was initially shown a yellow card before the referee was encouraged to use his pitch-side screen and correctly upgraded to a straight red.
Richarlison showed some sympathy with Cavani after the incident but believes it could have been an ankle-breaking challenge.
“It was a ball dispute and of course he went over the top,” he told CBF TV at full-time, as quoted by the Metro.
“If my foot was planted there on the floor, maybe it could even have broken my ankle.
“But I don’t think he meant it. I think he went there to get the ball but missed and took my foot. It’s a normal game situation.”
Cavani opened the scoring in Uruguay’s victory against Colombia on Friday to continue his goal-scoring form but will be disappointed with his actions against Brazil.
United left-back Alex Telles was an unused substitute in the game and could be in line to replace the injured Luke Shaw in Saturday’s Premier league fixture against West Brom at Old Trafford.
See Cavani’s challenge below. Footage courtesy of beIN Sports.
READ MORE: Paul Scholes reveals he was devastated when midfielder partner left Man Utd
