Casemiro will not be involved as Man United take on Manchester City in the derby today.
Manchester United take on Manchester City in the first derby of the season, with the Old Trafford club looking to put bad form behind them and come up trumps against their fierce rivals.
For Erik ten Hag, the story of the season has been injuries. The Dutch gaffer has had major problems on that front since pre-season and it’s still hurting us pretty hard even as we approach the month of November.
The derby is never the easiest of matches – particularly lately. The situation is not going to be made easier with the absence of Casemiro. His availability was up in the air earlier in the week, after picking up a problem while away with Brazil.
Now, United’s early derby injury blow has been confirmed. The United Stand state that the central midfielder is not part of today’s matchday squad.
BREAKING: Casemiro is NOT part of today’s matchday squad. #mufc
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 29, 2023
It means that United will probably have to rejig the midfield a little bit, with Sofyan Amrabat likely to start in a defensive midfield role. It could mean minutes for either Scott McTominay or Mason Mount. Personally, I’d prefer to see the latter given the nod here.
I guess we can take some solace in the fact that the problem is not a longer term one. Casemiro isn’t too far away, it’s just that this game probably comes a day or two too early. Perhaps he could target a midweek return against Newcastle in the cup.
Either way, these mounting injury issues are really starting to get concerning.
Do you think Man United will beat Man City without Casemiro? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
