Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez came off due to injury in the 67th minute in his side’s loss against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Argentine hit the deck and immediately gestured to the bench asking to be subbed off. It is reported that he has suffered a foot injury.
United manager Erik ten Hag was asked about the injury after the game and he said: “Licha [Martinez] had a problem on his foot, but I am not sure if it’s an injury.
“We have to wait, to see, to make the diagnosis,” he added.
The signs around the defender’s injury seem to be positive as he was seen leaving the Emirates Stadium without a protective boot or crutches. He has also travelled to the Argentina national squad for the international break.
Reports suggest that the 25-year-old is ‘in pain’ but seems to be fit enough to train with his national squad and may even be fit enough to make an appearance in one of their matches.
United’s injury list has grown significantly since preseason, especially in defence. They were already without Martinez’s usual partner in defence, Raphael Varane. Even Varane’s backup, Victor Lindelof, had to leave the field late on against Arsenal as he was ill.
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This left United with a defensive partnership of Johnny Evans and Harry Maguire for the last few minutes of the game, which arguably caused them to concede two late goals, leading to defeat.
The Red Devils are also without left-back Luke Shaw and his understudy, Tyrell Malacia. They dove into the transfer market on deadline day to secure a loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon, given their dire situation.
They are also missing new signing Mason Mount, along with youngsters Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo. New boy Rasmus Hojlund has finally recovered from his back injury though as he made his debut at the Emirates.
While it looks like Varane and Shaw’s injuries will keep the pair sidelined for a while, Martinez is expected to be back in the United first team at the earliest.
Ten Hag will surely be tracking the centre-back’s fitness while he is away with his national side and will be expecting him to come back fully fit after the international break.
The Dutchman’s side will face Brighton and Hove Albion in their next Premier League game after the players return from international duties. His squad will be looking to put the ghosts of the defeat in North London behind them.
