Despite being cleared to play for Manchester United in the anticipated match against Liverpool, Casemiro chose not to participate after consulting with external medical experts.
The midfielder was sidelined due to a hamstring concern, which the medical team at Old Trafford did not initially identify.
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Facing Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals demanded peak performance. Ultimately, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay filled the midfield positions, leading United to a thrilling 4-3 victory in extra time.
Trivela, a Brazilian media source, reported that Casemiro approached the club’s medical staff with a hamstring complaint before the game. They found no major issues, and he was deemed ready to play.
However, still experiencing discomfort, Casemiro sought a second opinion in Barcelona. There, a doctor discovered a minor problem with the same hamstring that had previously sidelined him for three months.
There was a risk that playing could exacerbate the injury. Manchester United has yet to announce when Casemiro might return to the field, and his absence was acknowledged by manager Erik ten Hag as a significant detriment to the team.
“It does [affect us] because Casemiro is very experienced and a very important player for us in organisation, also on the ball,” explained the Dutchman.
“He brings composure to the team and he can bring great passes to bring our frontline into great positions, especially with the three with their immense speed. You miss, of course, a passer like Casemiro.”
The United midfielder has a 10-day window to recuperate before the team’s journey to Brentford. The international break provides a timely respite, especially since he’s not on the roster for Brazil’s national team matches due to his injury.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and seasoned defender Jonny Evans are expected to make their comeback against Brentford, having sat out the victory against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Anthony Martial remain on the injury list for an extended period.
United’s campaign for silverware continues as they advance to the FA Cup semi-finals, the club’s sole trophy prospect this season. They’re also vying for a Champions League spot, aiming to bridge a six-point gap to secure a top-five finish.
