Manchester United midfielder Casemiro returns from suspension this week – but has to walk a tightrope to avoid another.
Casemiro’s four game domestic suspension is finally over. It has been almost a month since the Brazil international started a game for Manchester United, with the international break prolonging his absence.
He will be eligible to line up at Old Trafford against Sevilla this week in the Europa League quarter-final first leg.
And this will bring its own challenge for Casemiro to negotiate, from a disciplinary point of view.
Casemiro one card from Europa League ban
Casemiro is just one yellow card away from receiving a one-match Europa League ban.
If he receives a booking in either leg against Sevilla, he would be suspended for the following match, potentially the semi-final should United get there.
Yellow cards are wiped out after the quarter-finals, so Casemiro just has to make it through the next two matches.
An ideal time to tactically receive a booking would have been in the 4-1 win over Real Betis, with the second leg just a formality.
If United can rack up a hefty first leg lead against Sevilla, it might be sensible if he gets himself booked for the second leg, to avoid risking missing the semi final.
Bruno Fernandes also one card away
Another Manchester United player at risk of suspension is star midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
He is just one yellow card away from picking up a one-match ban, and his loss would be felt even harder than Casemiro’s, as United have become used to being without the Brazilian in recent weeks.
Erik ten Hag will be looking to both player to walk the tightrope sensibly and keep their discipline in check.
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