Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will miss Sunday's Premier League showdown against league leaders Arsenal due to suspension.
The 30-year-old was treading on thin ice heading into Wednesday's 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace having previously received four yellow cards, including a caution in the Manchester derby last weekend.
The tough-tackling Brazilian was hoping to avoid a fifth booking at Selhurst Park, but he was cautioned in the 80th minute for a late lunging challenge on Wilfried Zaha.
Premier League players who receive five yellow cards within the first 19 fixtures are suspended for one match, and Casemiro picked up his latest booking in United's 19th game of the campaign.
In the second half of a Premier League season, the five-yellows limit is raised to 10 and suspensions are increased to two matches.
CASEMIRO BOOKED! 🟨
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 18, 2023
The Man Utd midfielder is now suspended for the game against Arsenal 👀 pic.twitter.com/BSVAsGyVyL
Casemiro has been in fine form for United at both ends of the pitch in recent weeks, contributing with one goal and three assists in his last seven appearances, while also protecting a back four that have kept four clean sheets during this period.
However, the former Real Madrid lynchpin will now be forced to watch on from the sidelines when the Red Devils lock horns for arguably their biggest game of the season so far against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
United were on course to claim maximum points against Crystal Palace, courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes strike on the stroke of half time, but a stunning 91st-minute free kick from Michael Olise rescued a point for the Eagles.
Erik ten Hag's side would have climbed above rivals Manchester City into second place had they beaten Palace, but a draw means that they have moved level on points with the Citizens and stay in third spot on goal difference, while they are now eight points behind Arsenal at the summit having played a game more.
© Reuters
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match about Casemiro's tackle and booking, Ten Hag said: "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."
In the absence of Casemiro, either Fred or Scott McTominay are likely be recalled to the starting lineup to play alongside Christian Eriksen in centre-midfield.
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