Casemiro is out at the Emirates Stadium after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
However, Ten Hag remains upbeat ahead of the Arsenal clash, inspired by United’s win over the Gunners in September.
Then they won 3-1 over Arsenal and also did so without Casemiro in their team that day.
“This match was important. Every game is important,” Ten Haag said.
“Every game in the Premier League is a top game. Obviously, Casemiro is a really important player for us.
“He’s one of the reasons we’re in the position we’re in now, that’s Casemiro. But we also beat Arsenal last time without Casemiro, so we have a squad.
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“We have to fill this gap and make a proper plan. The team needs to fill it in and make sure. As a team we have already shown how to beat Arsenal.”
United moved up to third in the Premier League with this draw at Crystal Palace, moving within eight points of Arsenal.
However, the Ten Hag was disappointed that his side did not get the win which would have extended their winning streak to 10 games.
“You [Palace] don’t create anything but one which was a corner and that one was a direct free-kick from a long way out,” he said.
“You don’t expect to lose points. We have to invest more to get that second goal and then not be in that situation where one happy moment costs you two points.
Strike: Casemiro to miss Sunday’s clash with Arsenal
/ Manchester United via Getty Images
“We were leading 1-0. In the second half we had a lot of space to kill them and get to the second. I never saw that we actually scored the second goal.
“It’s hard to say [why]. I have to criticize my team. Go for the second one. Bruno [Fernandes] and Rashi (Marcus Rashford) on the wings, Garnacho, a lot of creativity, speed and power, and [Scott] McTominay with a back penetration.
“From my point of view [they should have had a penalty] but VAR and the referee make the decision. We have to accept it.”
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