Arsenal's chances of beating Manchester United have been given a huge boost with Casemiro picking up his fifth booking of the season against Crystal Palace which will result in him missing the clash against Arsenal this weekend.
With Erik ten Hag's men competing in their 19th game of the season, the final fixture before bookings are wiped out, a foul on Eberechi Eze from the Brazilian saw him cautioned and therefore suspended for the huge clash at the Emirates Stadium.
United's impressive form since the return of the World Cup has seen them involve themselves in the Premier League title conversation. Victories over Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Wolves put them in a great position for a top four finish, but the derby victory over Manchester City brought them into many peoples title thoughts.
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Before their visit to north London, United faced the tough task of taking on Palace at Selhurst Park. Patrick Vieira's side caused the Red Devils a number of problems but found themselves behind at half time courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes goal.
Jack Grealish's header in the Manchester derby was the only league goal United had conceded this calendar year until Michael Olise fired in a delightful free-kick beyond David De Gea in stoppage time, with the contest finishing 1-1.
Casemiro stopped multiple Palace attacks which kept United ahead until Olise's wonder strike and in a double blow, with United dropping points, they will also head to the league leaders without their crucial summer signing.
A fifth yellow card for a reckless foul on Eze in the 81st minute saw the former Real Madrid man booked and thus a one-match ban invoked which will see him absent against the Gunners, handing the hosts a major advantage.
Following the game, ten Hag was asked how the impact of Casemiro not being available would affect his team, but he instinctively quipped back by saying, "we beat Arsenal without Casemiro last time and we will have to do it again."
Although his absence will be greatly missed, ten Hag has not held back from sending a clear warning to Arteta by referencing the result at Old Trafford earlier this season that they do not need the five-time Champions League winner.
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