MANCHESTER UNITED’S Edinson Cavani has been hit with a two-match international ban for his horror tackle on Everton’s Richarlison.
The 33-year-old striker received a straight red as his Uruguay side lost 2-0 to Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in November.
The incident occurred in the 71st-minute when he was caught nastily stamping on his fellow Premier League star’s ankle.
Cavani’s nation now face two crunch qualifying matches at the end of next month against Argentina and Bolivia.
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli striker will not be available for either game.
That is due to Fifa confirming that the veteran’s punishment would be a further two-game suspension.
Richarlison claimed the challenge could have left him with serious damage afterwards.
The Brazilian said: “I think it was a ball dispute, he went over the top.
“If my foot was stuck it might have even broken my ankle, but I think it wasn’t bad.”
However, the news will no doubt be welcomed by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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The star has made a huge impact since arriving at Old Trafford as a free agent last year.
He has already found the net six times and provided two assists in the top-flight to establish himself ahead of ANthony Martial as first-choice striker.
Now his manager will be thankful the experienced frontman will not have to make the long trip to South America next month and will instead be kept fresh for the run-in.
Cavani is likely to be in action when United battle West Brom this Saturday.
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