David de Gea is confident January signing Marcel Sabitzer can replace Casemiro in the Manchester United midfield for the coming games.
The Brazilian was sent off during Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford and will duly miss the double-header with rivals Leeds, as well as the visit of Leicester later this month.
With Christian Eriksen ruled out of action until April following an ankle injury too, it is hardly ideal preparation for United boss Erik ten Hag ahead of a Europa League clash with Barcelona and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.
Still, De Gea believes Sabitzer can have big impact over the next few games.
The Austria international moved to United from Bayern Munich on deadline day, signing a loan deal running until the end of the season.
Such are the lack of options for ten Hag, the 28-year-old could be handed a quick-fire first start for the visit of Leeds on Wednesday.
Speaking after the win over Palace, De Gea said: “It’s going to be tough for sure.
“We already lost Christian [Eriksen], now Casemiro, big players for us. But we have a bigger squad, players are ready to play, everyone is really focused.
“Sabitzer showed already, he played 15 to 20 minutes and he did really well, made some good tackles, he is good with the ball and everyone is ready to play."
