Mikel Arteta reckons Arsenal still have to be wary about Manchester United even without Casemiro.
Casemiro, 30, has been an integral part of the United team this season after signing from Real Madrid, but he will not feature against the table-topping Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, due to a one-match suspension. Casemiro picked up his fifth booking of the campaign against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
It was a midweek fixture which started off so brightly for United, with Bruno Fernandes opening the scoring as his teammates went after their 10th straight win in all competitions. However, they were pegged back at the death by Michael Olise, who scored a stunning 90th-minute free-kick shortly after Casemiro was cautioned.
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That moment has raised selection concerns for Erik ten Hag as United prepare to take on the leaders. But as Arteta points out, the Brazil international did not even start during the corresponding fixture, which United won 3-1, while they remain the only side to beat the Gunners this term.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: "Again, that is something we cannot control. He did not play in our first game, either, and we still did not do enough to win that match.
"When you look at their squad, they have incredible individuals with collective organisation to beat any opponents in this league. But we will plan for the game knowing that he is not available."
Having initially pursued Frenkie de Jong this summer to address long-standing problems in central midfield, United eventually signed Casemiro from Madrid for an initial £60million plus add-ons. He has played 26 matches since then, in all competitions, providing two goals and four assists.
Before his ban, Casemiro started 12 straight Premier League games. He was only subbed off in one of those.
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