Casemiro will not play for Manchester United at the weekend (Picture: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag appeared calm but David De Gea was clearly concerned as Casemiro picked up a yellow card on Wednesday night at Crystal Palace and will miss the trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
The Brazilian has been hugely influential since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer, playing a massive part in the impressive turnaround under Erik ten Hag.
After nine wins on the spin in all competitions, the momentum was hit a little at Selhurst Park as United were held to a 1-1 draw thanks to a brilliant late free-kick from Michael Olise.
There was more bad news as Casemiro picked up a yellow card with 10 minutes to play thanks to a high lunge on Wilfried Zaha.
This booking means he will not play at the league-leaders in the big game on Sunday, but Ten Hag was not panicking, remembering that his side beat the Gunners earlier in the season without the midfielder.
‘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,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports. ‘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.’
Goalkeeper De Gea, who made a couple of brilliant saves over the game, was less calm, and bemoaned both Casemiro’s suspension and the fact that Arsenal have not had to play mid-week.
‘One of our best players cannot play one of the best teams,’ said the Spaniard. ‘I don’t understand why we had to play today and they didn’t, that could make the difference on Sunday. He is a big loss for us.’
MORE : Stunning late Crystal Palace equaliser denies Manchester United tenth straight win
MORE : Pitch invader stops Crystal Palace vs Manchester United to get a selfie with Casemiro
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Brazilian picked up a crucial yellow card.
