Why is Casemiro not playing against Chelsea? When is the Brazilian midfielder expected to return?

It’s been a funny old start to the season for Manchester United, who just last weekend were top of the Premier League’s six-game form table despite doing little to impress most onlookers. Erik Ten Hag has endured a turbulent start to the season, not helped by a host of first-team regulars being unavailable for selection for one reason or not, including former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner.

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Martínez, Eriksen and Sancho also miss Chelsea clash

The Red Devils will again be without several players for Wednesday’s visit of Chelsea, with defenders Lisandro Martínez (ankle/foot) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) not expected to play again until January, while the Game comes too soon for veteran centre-back Jonny Evans (thigh) and midfield schemer Christian Eriksen (knee).

On top of that, winger Jadon Sancho is still suspended by the club after publicising criticising Ten Hag at the beginning of the season. The former Borussia Dortmund attacker hasn’t played since 26 August as a result.

What injury does Casemiro have? How long will he be out?

But perhaps the most noticeable absence is that of Casemiro, who made his return to the team following a knock in the Carabao Cup home defeat to Newcastle United on 1 November but subsequently suffered a hamstring strain and was substituted at half time.

United initially revealed the injury would keep the 31-year-old out for “a number of weeks”, although Ten Hag issued an update the following weekend stating he didn’t expect Casemiro or Martínez to be back in action before Christmas.

Brazilian unable to replicate 2022-23 form

The Brazilian was one of the Red Devils’ stand-out performers after moving from Madrid in 2022-23, helping them lift the Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League. However, despite scoring four times in 12 starts this season, he failed to hit the heights expected of him up until his injury and received plenty of criticism for his on-field displays.