Casemiro has been left out of Manchester United’s squad for the trip to Sunderland due to a minor bruise. However, the Brazil international should be back in time to bid farewell to Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
The 34-year-old is in the final chapter of his United career and his omission from the match-day squad at the Stadium of Light sparked concern among supporters. However, he has not yet played his last match for the club.
United are confident Casemiro will be ready for next Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford and away to Brighton & Hove Albion a week later. These two games will be his final two at the club before leaving on a free transfer.
His absence left manager Michael Carrick’s side crammed in the center of the park, with Manuel Ugarte also sidelined after picking up a back problem in training. Mason Mount made his first start under the club’s current head coach.
Benjamin Sesco was also sidelined as he was unable to shake off a lingering shin injury and regain his place in the team. Sesco was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, making his first start under Carrick.
United’s manager admitted the striker is doubtful for the game after being sent off at half-time in the 3-2 win over Liverpool. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Carrick said: “We’ll have to wait and see. He’s obviously out with a shin problem so we’ll see. He’s not fully back in the squad at the moment but we’ll have to see.”
He told MUTV during the preparations for kick-off: “Ben has had a problem with his shin for a while and has been in quite a bit of pain as well. Obviously he had to sit out last week so he wasn’t ready today.”
“Well, next week will be fine, no big deal. Manu had a problem with his lower back during training, so the problem has been sort of resolved.”
“We had a really strong team today, so I’m looking forward to watching the players’ play and performance and finishing the season strong.”
Casemiro played the full game, as he did in all four games at Old Trafford. The Brazil international has not missed a game since being suspended for accumulating yellow cards during United’s 2-1 away defeat to Aston Villa in the final game before Christmas.
