ERIK TEN HAG will be without the services of Casemiro for “a number of weeks” due to injury.
The Brazilian midfielder came off at half-time in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup battering by Newcastle on Wednesday night.
And it’s since transpired that the former Real Madrid man has suffered a hamstring injury.
A club statement read: “Casemiro will be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered during our Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday.
“The Brazilian midfielder was withdrawn at half-time due to the issue, and subsequent assessment has revealed a strain that will keep him out for a number of weeks.”
Under-pressure Red Devils boss Ten Hag wasn’t optimistic about the Brazil international being fit for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
The Dutchman said in his post-match press conference: “He was injured.
“Just before half-time, he got an injury. That’s why we had to take him off.”
When pressed further on a return date, he said: “I can’t give an answer on that.
“We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday, he is out.”
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Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro has struggled this season.
He’s looked a shell of the player who bossed Real Madrid’s midfield, being caught out of position on several occasions and letting opposition players ghost past him far too easily.
Casemiro’s loss could be the gain of 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who impressed during pre-season.
United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup thanks to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to high-flying Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Defeat to the Magpies was the club’s EIGHTH loss in 15 matches so far this season.
Pressure is starting to mount on Ten Hag, who is adamant he can turn the team’s fortunes around.
He said: “I am a fighter and I know it is not always going to go up and we have a lot of setbacks this season.
“But also you have to deal with it and that is never an excuse.
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“I have said that before. I know when there are setbacks but even then you have to get results. Sunday [and] tonight was far from that.
“So we have to do things right at a certain level, the minimum level to win games.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
