(Football news) Casemiro has arguably been the signing of the season so far in the Premier League and the Brazilian has made a tremendous impact for Manchester United so far. The club desperately needed a central defensive midfielder and with Nemanja Matic leaving the club, a signing of Casemiro’s calibre was the missing piece in the Red Devils’ jigsaw puzzle.

What Casemiro brings is not just sublime ability to connect the defence to midfield, he also brings with him composure and experience of competing at the highest level as well as a winning mentality. The 30 year old is one of the senior players in the squad and has shown great maturity amidst a roller coaster season.

Much to Erik ten Hag’s disappointment, Casemiro will not be available against Arsenal on Sunday after picking up a yellow card in the final 10 minutes of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. According to Premier League rules, five yellow card bookings result in a one-match suspension, which means that the Brazilian will be watching on from the stands in this crucial fixture.

Casemiro stopped Wilfred Zaha on the counter-attack and conceded a freekick in order to protect Manchester United’s slender 1-0 lead, resulting in a yellow card. The Red Devils ultimately ended up conceding a 91st minute goal when Michael Olise scored from a freekick, which meant that Manchester United dropped crucial two points.

“I think it’s instinctive, he went for the ball. He missed the ball but it’s quite clear, on our right side, it could have been a dangerous situation. He wants to stop it. That was his reaction, it was quite clear. Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, so this time we have to do the same” said Erik ten Hag when asked about Casemiro’s booking.

There is an eight point gap between Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League at the moment while Manchester City have the opportunity to go three points clear of their local rivals if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils will undoubtedly miss Casemiro, who has been an integral part of the team, having played every single minute of Manchester United’s last nine Premier League games.

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