Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez Faces Extended Absence Due to Injury Blow

Manchester United‘s defensive lineup has encountered another setback, with Lisandro Martinez potentially set to miss up to two months due to a strained collateral ligament. The Argentine defender, who recently returned from a three-month injury layoff, suffered the setback during the clash against West Ham on Sunday.

Despite not requiring surgery, sources from Argentina suggest that Martinez’s recovery timeline could extend to one and a half to two months. The injury occurred in the second half of the match against West Ham, and although Martinez attempted to continue playing, he was eventually replaced by Raphael Varane.

United manager Erik ten Hag, speaking after the game, expressed concern about the severity of Martinez’s injury. “Lisandro Martinez’s injury does not look good. It is very bad for him. We wish Licha all the best. It’s very bad also for the team,” said ten Hag. The manager emphasized Martinez’s importance to the team, both in terms of his football ability and the spirit he brings.

The 26-year-old defender won’t need surgery, providing a positive aspect to the situation. However, the absence of Martinez leaves United with defensive challenges. Varane and the recently reinstated Harry Maguire are the remaining options for the Red Devils.

United fans will be hoping that Martinez’s recovery leans towards the shorter end of the estimated timeline, allowing him to make a return during the current campaign. The Argentine’s versatility and contributions in defense have been valuable to the team, making his absence a notable setback.

As Manchester United navigates a crucial phase in the season, the defensive concerns add to the challenges faced by manager Erik ten Hag. The team will need to rely on the available defensive options to maintain stability at the back in Martinez’s absence.