Manchester United will be without Casemiro for their crucial Premier League trip to Aston Villa after the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.
The Brazilian was booked during Monday night’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, a result that extended United’s frustrating home form and denied them the chance to close ground on the top four.
Casemiro had earlier headed United into a 2-1 half-time lead, but his second-half foul conceded the free-kick that led to Bournemouth’s third goal.
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The caution means Casemiro must serve a one-match suspension under Premier League rules, marking his second ban of the campaign following his earlier red card against Chelsea.
His absence adds to Ruben Amorim’s growing selection concerns as United prepare to face an in-form Aston Villa side at Villa Park on Sunday.
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Casemiro will not be the only senior figure missing for United this weekend.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all unavailable after linking up with their national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations.
United are also sweating over the fitness of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
De Ligt has not featured since the win over Crystal Palace, while Maguire has been sidelined since limping off against Tottenham before the November international break.
Speaking after the Bournemouth draw, Amorim admitted he remains unsure whether either defender will be fit in time for the Villa clash, reports Standard.
With Patrick Dorgu also walking a suspension tightrope on four yellow cards, United could head into the weekend severely depleted.
Facing Unai Emery’s Villa with multiple absentees, Amorim is set to make key selection calls as pressure continues to build on his squad during a demanding festive period.
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