Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of Casemiro ahead of their Europa League clash against Real Betis on Thursday.
The Brazilian has been an integral part of the Red Devils' rise in recent months but picked up an injury issue during the hammering at Liverpool on Sunday. United's medical staff will now assess the former Real Madrid man as Erik ten Hag's looks for a response.
The club will make a late decision on whether the Brazilian can play in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash at Old Trafford on Thursday, reports ESPN . The games continue to come thick and fast for United, who are competing in the league, Europe and the FA Cup.
Casemiro's absence has been telling this season - as have the games where he's performed below his usual level. Ten Hag has called on the 31-year-old more than 30 times in all competitions and he's produced in big games, scoring five times and providing a further five assists.
The Brazilian scored in the recent Carabao Cup win over Newcastle at Wembley, which ended the club's six-year wait for silverware. He was well below par in the devastating loss at Liverpool last time out though, as the Red Devils shipped seven at Anfield.
Jamie Carragher pointed to how any drop off from the Brazilian has often seen his team struggle, whilst his absence has often spelled trouble. He said on Sky Sports: "It really stood out for me yesterday because I think he's been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. He has completely turned Manchester United's season around, but he was very, very poor yesterday.
Have your say! Will Man Utd win more silverware this year? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.
The pundit went on to say: "He's played 18 Premier League games and that was his worst game for passing. Possession won in the defensive third, protecting that back four, he didn't win one. Tackles, he didn't win one.
"This is away at Liverpool. Again, he has been one of the best players this season. But what it also shows is how important he is to Manchester United.
"Not playing, away to Manchester City, they concede six. Not playing away to Arsenal, conceding three and getting battered. And, basically, not being at the races at Anfield, and Manchester United concede seven. What I'm showing here is yes, a negative piece, but it also shows how important Casemiro is when he's on his game. But he was nowhere near it. He was miles off it."
United are among the favourites to claim the Europa League with domestic rivals Arsenal also eyeing European glory in UEFA's second-tier competition. After that they are back to league action with a game against Southampton at Old Trafford.
