Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has refused to rule out the prospect of stepping into midfield amid Casemiro's upcoming suspension.
The latter, who manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed will feature in Thursday night's Europa League last-16 second-leg clash with Real Betis despite being at risk of another ban, was sent off during the first half of Sunday's goalless draw with Southampton at Old Trafford.
It marked his second red card of the season and he must now serve a four-game domestic ban, starting against Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday.
United are already light in midfield because of long-term injuries to both Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen, meaning there has been talk of whether Ten Hag could convert Martinez into a makeshift defensive midfielder and fill in for Casemiro.