Casemiro is one booking away from suspension in the Europa League, giving Erik ten Hag a headache ahead of Manchester United 's first-leg tie against Real Betis.
The Red Devils will welcome Manuel Pellegrini 's men to Old Trafford this Thursday for a last-16 clash, having beaten Barcelona in the play-off round. Casemiro, 30, was instrumental in both legs but could find himself missing an upcoming fixture as United resume their European campaign following Sunday's appalling 7-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool.
Ten Hag is now sifting through the wreckage in search of a response from his players, with midfield general Casemiro perhaps the most surprising star to underperform at Anfield, as he was labelled "very poor" by a scathing Jamie Carragher. The Brazil international has already missed a total of four Premier League matches through suspension in 2023, firstly for accumulating five yellow cards in the first half of the season and then for violent conduct after grabbing Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes by the neck.
With a potential third ban this term in mind, Casemiro could be given a much-needed rest on Thursday. However, that'd mean Ten Hag would be risking his absence in later rounds, such as next Thursday's second leg, as players are only given a clean slate at the beginning of the semi-final stage.
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