‘Cavani’s horror tackle would have broken my ankle’

Everton’s Richarlison has said that Edinson Cavani’s horror tackle would have broken his ankle,

Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani has been hit with a two-match international ban for his horror tackle.

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.”

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 71st-minute incident saw Cavani nastily stamping on his fellow Premier League star’s ankle.

Uruguay face two crunch qualifying matches at the end of next month against Argentina and Bolivia.

But 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 two-game suspension.

However, the news will no doubt be welcomed by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

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 a 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.