In a significant setback for Manchester United, defender Lisandro Martinez is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after aggravating a foot injury. The Argentine center-back, who underwent surgery on a fractured metatarsal in April, may now require a second operation to overcome the persistent issue.
Martinez played through the pain in recent defeats against Brighton and Bayern Munich, with the injury initially occurring during the loss at Arsenal on September 3. The club has confirmed that he could be out until December, adding to the injury woes of manager Erik ten Hag.
With Martinez ruled out, Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace will see Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, or Jonny Evans stepping in to fill the defensive void. The situation is compounded by the absence of left-back Sergio Reguilon due to a minor injury, leaving Ten Hag with limited options for defensive cover.
The injury crisis at Old Trafford extends beyond Martinez, with Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also sidelined. In the Carabao Cup win over Palace, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat impressed in the left-back position, providing a glimmer of hope amid the defensive challenges.
Manager Ten Hag, who has been grappling with multiple injuries this season, expressed concern about the expanding football calendar, noting that the players are struggling to cope with the increasing workload. Despite the return of key players like Mason Mount, Amrabat, Raphael Varane, and Maguire, the defensive crisis continues to pose a major challenge for Manchester United.
As the team faces Crystal Palace and navigates the challenging schedule ahead, fans await updates on Martinez’s recovery and the reshuffling of the defensive lineup in the coming matches.
