Manchester United midfielder Casemiro suffered a possible concussion during the club’s Premier League defeat to Fulham on Saturday but requires further assessment.
Only recently back from a lengthy injury layoff, Casemiro had to come after 53 minutes following a clash of heads with Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed.
United took no chances due to the level of discomfort suffered by the Brazilian in the collision and, although it wasn’t clear at the time if it was a concussion, opted for caution.
“I don’t know if it’s concussion but it’s definitely head to head,” Erik ten Hag said afterwards.
“I actually don’t know [what’s wrong] but he had to come off. He had to come off so we have to speak with the doctor, and the medical team, to see how he’s doing. He couldn’t continue the game. We have all seen that. We had to take him off and, hopefully, he’s better [on Sunday].”
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Casemiro’s return to fitness and form were among several reasons why United had won four consecutive Premier League games prior to facing Fulham. Rasmus Hojlund’s goals were another and the Danish striker’s recent impact was noticeable in his absence through injury.
United travel to face Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday night, followed by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League next weekend.
If Casemiro did suffer a concussion it is unlikely that he will play in either match.
The FA’s guidance on concussion explains: “Concussion should be managed with a short period of relative rest followed by a gradual return to normal activities as symptoms allow. Relative rest involves resting both the body (physical rest) and resting the brain (cognitive rest).
“After the initial 24-48 hour period of relative rest, a staged and graduated return to full daily activities and football training is allowed but at a rate that does not worsen existing symptoms, more than mildly, or produce new symptoms.”
