Casemiro suffers injury setback amid intense Manchester United training sessions

Casemiro has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury that has forced him to sit out Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.

The 32-year-old was sidelined for two-and-a-half months earlier in the season with a hamstring problem and Casemiro has withdrawn from the Brazil squad for their upcoming friendlies against England and Spain. United confirmed it is a muscular injury.

Dressing room sources have suggested the intense demands of United's training sessions have contributed to Casemiro's latest setback. The Manchester Evening News reported earlier this month some players were concerned about the intensity of manager Erik ten Hag's sessions.

Casemiro's latest absence is the 51st separate case of injury or illness that has caused a United player to miss a match this season.

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Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho are the only outfield players who have avoided a lay-off through injury since August.

United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid for £60million rising to £70m in August 2022 but there is uncertainty over his future amid an injury-plagued campaign.

The Liverpool tie is the 18th match Casemiro has missed this term and he has generated interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

Casemiro is under contract at United until 2026 and the club has the option of an additional year.