Manchester United's David de Gea has admitted Casemiro being unavailable to play Arsenal due to suspension is a 'big blow'.
Casemiro had picked up four yellow cards ahead of United's match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, but Erik ten Hag chose to start the defensive midfielder at Selhurst Park regardless, which meant he was at risk of picking up a suspension.
After a player receives five yellow cards in the Premier League, a one-match suspension is dished out and Casemiro was shown his fifth yellow of the season with just 10 minutes remaining against Palace following a late, tired challenge.
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That means Casemiro is unavailable for selection for Sunday's clash against Arsenal at the Emirates, which is considered a huge game for an unlikely Premier League title challenge from United, who find themselves third in the table in January.
De Gea was asked about Casemiro's suspension after the 1-1 draw and he vented his frustration about the date of the Crystal Palace fixture, which was originally postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
"It's a big blow to lose Casemiro for Sunday," De Gea told Sky Sports. "I don't get why Arsenal don't play as we have to play in the same week and they don't. Now we are missing one of our best players. I don't understand.
"Now we miss him [Casemiro] for a big game and it is a big loss for us." The Spaniard also reflected on the team's performance after the draw, saying: "It's football. Sometimes you score at the end and sometimes they score at the end. Let's keep going.
"I think we're doing really well and it's a massive game on Sunday. I think we're a much better team than we were before. We are competing really well, deserving the points, playing as a team, which is massive.
"Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to fight for the team. It's nice to watch and it was a bit sad today because we concede at the end but I still believe in this team. I think we have great players, we all want to win, so let's keep going."
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