Erik ten Hag had no regrets about playing Casemiro in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Casemiro was booked for a cynical foul on Wilfried Zaha in the second half, ruling him out of the Premier League duel with Arsenal on Sunday as he has collected five cautions this season.
The Brazilian has started in United's last 12 Premier League games and they have won eight, drawn three and only lost one. Ten Hag may decide between Scott McTominay and Fred to deputise for Casemiro at the Emirates Stadium.
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"First, this game was important," Ten Hag stressed. "Every game in the Premier League is a top game.
"Second is Casemiro is obviously a really important player for us, he's one of the reasons we are where we are now.
"But last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro so we have a squad, we have to fill the gap, make a proper plan and the squad have to fill it and make sure, as a team.
"We already showed how to beat Arsenal."
McTominay's last Premier League start was in the 6-3 thrashing at City on October 2, while the last time Fred was paired with Christian Eriksen he was hooked at the interval with United 4-0 down at Brentford.
Wout Weghorst started on his United debut at Palace, having only had three training sessions with his new teammates since joining on loan from Burnley on Friday.
"I think it's not easy to come into a team who is on a run and for seven, eight months in the way of play," Ten Hag said. "And then you have to come in and you have one game to look and I don't think that represents (us). The way we play against City was great, to be a part of that from the outside.
"Now he has to do it by himself and I thought it was the best choice. He has the profile of the nine, he did quite well, he was a link-up player, he makes a great run for the first goal, took two players out, makes Bruno (Fernandes) free, also in pressing. It was a good debut."
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