[ NEW BOARD GAME ]
Casemiro reportedly sought alternative medical advice after being passed fit to play for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday. The Brazilian ended up sitting out the match due to an issue with his hamstring which specialists at Old Trafford failed to pick up.
He would have needed to be at his very best in a tense clash with bitter rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. In the end, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay started at the base of midfield as United ran out 4-3 winners after extra-time.
According to Brazilian news outlet Trivela, Casemiro went to medical staff with a hamstring issue leading up to the match. However, their checks did not detect any significant problems and the 32-year-old was passed fit.
Still in pain, Casemiro reportedly ignored their advice and visited a doctor in Barcelona who managed to find a 'small issue' with the same hamstring that kept him out for three months earlier this season.
It is believed the issue could have flared up into something more serious if he had taken to the pitch against Liverpool. As yet, United have not shared an estimated return date for Casemiro, who manager Erik ten Hag admitted was a big loss on Sunday.
"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.
Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and veteran defender Jonny Evans are in line to return against the Bees after missing out on the win over Liverpool. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial are all longer-term absentees.
United are still alive and kicking in the semi-finals of the FA Cup - their last remaining hope of silverware this season. Qualification for the Champions League by finishing in the top five is also within reach, although the Red Devils currently have six points to claw back.
