Due to a suspension, Casemiro of Manchester United will miss Sunday’s Premier League matchup against league-leaders Arsenal. The 30-year-old had already collected four yellow cards, including a caution in the Manchester derby last weekend, and thus, was on shaky ground going into Wednesday’s 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace.
The combative behaviour Brazilian hoped to avoid receiving his fifth caution at Selhurst Park, but in the 80th minute, he was issued one for a late lunging challenge on Wilfried Zaha.
The Premier League imposes a one-match suspension on players who collect five yellow cards in their first 19 games. Casemiro received his most recent caution in United’s 19th encounter of the season.
The five-yellow limit is increased to ten in the second half of a Premier League season, and suspensions are extended to two games. With one goal and three assists in his previous seven games, Casemiro has been in excellent form for United at both ends of the field lately.
He has also been defending a back four that has recorded four clean sheets during this time. Thus, he will be a big miss for the Red Devils when Erik Ten Hag’s side go one on one against the Gunners this Sunday.
The former Real Madrid lynchpin will now have to look on from the sidelines as the Red Devils square off against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in what will likely be their biggest game of the season thus far.
Due to a goal by Bruno Fernandes just before halftime, United had a chance to defeat Crystal Palace and win all three points, but the Eagles were saved by an incredible free kick by Michael Olise in the 91st minute.
With a victory over Palace, Erik ten Hag’s team would have moved up to second place, passing rivals Manchester City. However, with a draw, they are now tied with the Citizens on points and remain in third place due to goal differential, falling eight points behind Arsenal at the top despite having played one more game.
Erik Ten Hag comments on Casemiro missing the Arsenal trip
After the game, Ten Hag discussed Casemiro’s challenge and booking with Sky Sports.
“It was instinctive, he went for the ball, missed it and it was a dangerous situation. He wanted to stop it and that was his reaction, quite clear. We had to invest more for the second goal and then you don’t come in those situations.”
“Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, now this time we have to do that same.”
“This game (against Palace) was important,”
the Dutchman added as quoted by the Evening Standard.
“Every game is important. Every game in the Premier League is a top game. Obviously Casemiro is a really important player for us.”
“He is one of the reasons we are in the position we are now, that’s Casemiro. But also last time, we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, so we have a squad.”
Fred or Scott McTominay will probably be called up to the starting lineup in Casemiro’s place to partner Christian Eriksen in center-midfield.
For more Sports updates please follow us on Twitter
