Manchester United’s defensive woes deepen as Lisandro Martinez, the 26-year-old Argentine defender, is set to miss a significant chunk of the season. Martinez sustained knee ligament damage during United’s recent 3-0 victory over West Ham, sidelining him until at least April.
The injury occurred in the second half when Martinez attempted to shield the ball from West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal. This setback comes after the defender’s return from a three-month absence due to a foot injury. Despite not requiring surgery, Martinez is expected to be out for a minimum of eight weeks.
Having played a pivotal role with 55 appearances since joining the club in July 2022, Martinez’s absence poses a challenge for United’s defensive line. United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his concern, calling the injury a “personal disaster” for Martinez.
United supporters and the club are hopeful for a swift recovery for the Argentine defender, who had already faced challenges with a foot injury earlier in the 2022-23 season. The club released a statement expressing wishes for a speedy recovery and anticipating Martinez’s return later in the season.
The defensive setback adds to United’s challenges this season as they navigate various competitions. Fans and the team will anxiously await updates on Martinez’s recovery progress in the coming weeks.
