Lisandro Martinez received treatment after being substituted during Manchester United’s 4-3 win against Wolves, sparking fears the defender may have suffered a setback in his recovery from injury.
The Argentine centre-back – widely regarded as one of Erik ten Hag’s strongest signings at Old Trafford – has been sidelined for much of the past year after suffering a metatarsal injury in April.
After recovering over the summer, Martinez made five Premier League appearances for Man United this season before aggravating the injury for a second time in September.
Martinez played his first game back from injury against Tottenham, coming on as a late substitute, before playing most of the 90 minutes in United’s 4–2 FA Cup win against Newport County.
Thursday night’s trip to Molineux marked the 26-year-old’s first Premier League start in more than four months, but the team’s victory could still be overshadowed by disappointing news for Ten Hag’s players.
Shortly after coming on as a substitute, Lisandro Martinez was attended to by a Man United club doctor
The defender made his first Premier League start in more than four months against Wolves on Thursday
The 26-year-old is recovering from metatarsal injuries that first occurred in April last year
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In footage of the match captured by USA, Martinez – who was taken off the pitch in the 86th minute for Harry Maguire – is seen being attended to by a club doctor within moments of reaching the bench.
The defender’s left foot was heavily bandaged by the medic, with bandages covering an ice pack on top of the foot.
Martinez’s operation in October involved a broken metatarsal bone in his right foot, but the swift treatment after suffering an apparent on-pitch injury will no doubt worry fans keen to see the player enjoy a consistent run of games upon his return to action .
Man United have suffered a disastrous series of injuries throughout the season, which has had a knock-on effect on the club’s uneven form.
In defense, Ten Hag still cannot rely on Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and a fully fit Victor Lindelof.
But as well as Martinez’s withdrawal, the Red Devils had much to celebrate after a strong night in the Midlands.
Erik ten Hag has had his plans for this season hampered by a series of injuries to his team
Despite throwing away a two-goal lead, the visitors were able to hold on and take the three points thanks to a late goal from academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.
The teenager’s 97th-minute winner helped break the 3-3 deadlock between the sides after Pedro Neto moments earlier thought he had claimed a share of the spoils.
The victory moves United up to seventh place, a long way from sixth-placed West Ham, who are just one point ahead of them.
But Ten Hag’s side will have work to do to make up the deficit if they are to keep pace with the pack at the top of the table, eight points behind Aston Villa in fifth.