Casemiro is at risk of missing Manchester United vs Arsenal

Manchester United could be without star midfielder Casemiro when they take on Arsenal this weekend.

On Sunday, Arsenal moved further clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over bitter rivals Tottenham.

The result left the Gunners eight points clear ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, with Newcastle and United a further point back.

Indeed, United have also been in exceptional form this season, having put together their ninth consecutive victory in Saturday’s Manchester derby.

If United beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night as expected, next Sunday’s encounter against the Gunners could be a defining moment in the title race.

However, United could be without some key players for the Arsenal clash.

United could lose Casemiro

United could be without Brazilian midfield duo Casemiro and Fred for their weekend encounter with Arsenal.

If either player picks up a booking in their midweek encounter in south London, they will be suspended for the Gunners clash.

Indeed, this is because Premier League rules dictate that players must serve a one-match ban if they earn five bookings from the first 19 league encounters. Yellow cars are not carried over to the Carabao Cup or FA Cup.

At present Casemiro and Fred will both be on four yellow cards when they take on Palace.

Losing Casemiro in particular would be a major blow for Ten Hag’s side. The summer signing has been a transformative figure at Old Trafford; the world-class holding midfielder United have been craving for over a decade.

Indeed fans have taken him to their heart the same way the player has the club and the city.

United defender Raphael Varane was full of praise for Casemiro after Saturday's win over City.

"There are no words," the France international told the BBC.

"He covers so much ground. He runs so much. He’s aggressive when he wants the ball, yet calm when he has the ball.

"He was incredible."

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Casemiro, Fred, Crystal Palace, Arsenal

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.