Manchester United suffered another major setback today with Harry Maguire picking up a muscle injury which could rule him out for around three weeks.
The Englishman has now become the fifth centre-back to be sidelined with an injury following Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala.
Jonny Evans has just returned to team training after an issue of his own, but the 36-year-old may need to step up after the untimely blow for Maguire.
The experienced ace has performed above expectations since his homecoming on a free transfer last year, but he faces a huge challenge at Crystal Palace.
Casemiro has looked unconvincing as a centre-back in recent games, but his blushes have been saved by the presence of Maguire alongside him.
Evans, who was praised for being ‘composed‘ by Erik ten Hag earlier this season, is now most likely to partner Casemiro against the Eagles on Monday.
The veteran may not be fit enough to play the full 90 minutes and it will be interesting to see whether there is a debut for one of the academy graduates.
Louis Jackson has been in the matchday squad for the past three outings while Jack Kingdon has also trained with the first-team amid the injury crisis.
One of them could be entrusted with a cameo appearance against Palace which is a must-win game.
United are currently eighth in the table, but they are only two points adrift of Newcastle United in sixth.
The Red Devils must capitalise on their game in hand against the Eagles, but it won’t be easy with the south London outfit being in superb form recently.
Oliver Glasner’s side have picked up 10 points from the last four outings. Palace have also attained seven points from the previous five meetings versus United.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com