Edinson Cavani’s red-card tackle could have ‘broken my ankle’, says Richarlison after Brazil beat Uruguay

Everton forward netted as his nation won 2-0 but was later on the wrong end of a tackle that saw United’s new signing sent off

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Richarlison has said his ankle could have been broken by Edinson Cavani in the tackle that saw the Uruguay forward sent off against Brazil on Tuesday night.

Cavani, who joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, received a red card for his challenge on the Everton striker in the 71st minute of the South American qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup, which Brazil won 2-0 thanks to first-half goals from Richarlison and Arthur.

Cavani was initially shown a yellow card for the tackle, but a VAR review led the referee to upgrade the punishment.

And after the match, Richarlison is quoted as having told CBF TV that the challenge by Cavani could have “broken” his ankle. 

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The Everton player said: “It was a contest over the ball and of course he went over the top. 

“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 situation in a game.”

United and Everton met in the Premier League before the international break, with Cavani’s added-time goal in the second half rounding out a 3-1 win for the visitors at Goodison Park.