CASEMIRO was all smiles at Manchester United training this morning despite the prospect of his four-match ban.
The Brazilian star and his team-mates are preparing to travel to Spain to face Real Betis in the second-leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.
They go into Thursday’s showdown holding a 4-1 advantage from last week’s first-leg at Old Trafford but for the 31-year-old midfielder it could be his last outing for some time.
Casemiro was sent off for the second time this season for a reckless tackle on Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday as the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw.
United have already confirmed that they will not appeal Casemiro’s dismissal – meaning he will serve a four-match ban for his second straight red card of the season.
That means that the ex-Real Madrid man will miss the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham on Sunday, as well as games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.
He is eligible for the trip to Betis – but he won’t be available again in the Premier League until the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday 15 April.
However, barring a catastrophe in Spain, he could be back in action three days’ earlier in the last-eight of the Europa League.
But the impending spell on the sidelines could still not wipe the grin off his face as he enjoyed a laugh with youngster Anthony Elanga at Carrington today.
Marcus Rashford, who will be looking to continue his rich vein of form against Betis, was also grinning from ear-to-ear as the rather more stern looking Erik ten Hag put his men through their paces.
Brazilian star Antony was nowhere to be seen during the session as we await confirmation of United’s squad for the trip – while Ten Hag will speak to the media once the team arrive in Sevilla tomorrow.
Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer was part of the group following his recent lay-off as was defender Victor Lindelof, who was ill at the weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho has joined Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen on the sidelines, after suffering an ankle-ligament injury against Southampton.
But forward Anthony Martial looks to be well on his way back to full fitness as he looks to return for the first time since the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory over Nottingham Forest.
