Lisandro Martinez ‘is expected to miss the REST of the season’ with the foot injury suffered in Manchester United’s draw with Sevilla, while Raphael Varane ‘also risks not playing again this campaign’ in a huge double blow for Erik ten Hag
- Martinez was carried off during Manchester United’s draw with Sevilla
- United manager Erik ten Hag was hesitant about the injury earlier on Friday
- The defender’s problem could clear the way for Harry Maguire to return to the side
According to reports, Lisandro Martinez will have to miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
The Manchester United defender was taken away on Thursday during his team’s Europa League draw against Sevilla.
He developed a problem with his right foot and stumbled a short distance before finally being taken away on a stretcher.
United manager Erik ten Hag initially remained coy about the seriousness of the issue.
According to The athleticthe injury is worse than initially feared, and the World Cup winner is unlikely to feature again for the new campaign.
Lisandro Martinez is expected to miss the remainder of the season following a foot injury
“Sorry, no,” said Ten Hag when asked if he had an update on Martinez’s situation on Friday afternoon.
“It’s not even 24 hours, so I don’t have a full diagnosis, so I can’t say right now.”
“If we have news, we’ll tell you right away.
“But let’s do the medical treatment, do the assessment, do the full diagnosis, complete the diagnosis and then we’ll bring the news.”
“It’s not changing at the moment. I have an idea (what is is) but I am not causing speculation.’
Back-up centre-backs Maguire and Victor Lindelof will play an important role in the pair’s absence, adding to the injury list that includes Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek.
Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel – Martinez’s Argentina teammates – had originally helped Martinez move to the touchline after the problem.
The score was then 2-1 to United, with the Red Devils leading 2-0 early on thanks to a brace from Marcel Sabitzer.
But Maguire scored a late own goal meaning the tie ended 2–2, with the second leg in Spain scheduled for next week.
Martinez has made 45 appearances for United this season and has been almost ever present in defense after joining from Ajax for £48.5 million this summer.
Doubters suggested he was too small to play in central defense in the Premier League, but he has proven he is up to the task in United’s backline.
In a season that saw him win the World Cup with Argentina, the 25-year-old has formed a solid partnership with Raphael Varane in the back for United.
With Varane’s fitness also unclear, United may now have to turn to Marguire and Victor Lindelof to finish the season in central defence.