Manchester United handed Lisandro Martinez injury boost ahead of Brighton clash
Manchester United have been handed a major injury boost regarding Lisandro Martinez, as the defender has returned to training on international duty with Argentina.
The 25-year-old was forced off in the second half of the Red Devils’ 3-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on September 3, with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni later confirming that he had sustained a foot injury.
Martinez’s withdrawal from the loss to Arsenal was the second time this season that he has been taken off due to injury since fracturing his metatarsal in April.
The centre-back subsequently missed Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying last Friday, and concerns emerged as the whether he would face an extended period on the sidelines.
However, both Man United and Argentina have received a major boost regarding Martinez’s fitness as the defender has returned to training with the 2022 World Cup winners ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Bolivia.
Martinez appears to have made a full recover and has hinted at a potential return against Bolivia with an Instagram post of himself along with Argentina teammates Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina walking out onto the training pitch along with the caption: “Ready for what’s coming”.
Should Martinez return to Man United’s Carrington training complex unscathed, the defender could be in a position to play for Erik ten Hag‘s side in Saturday’s Premier League home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Martinez has established himself as a first-team regular under Ten Hag since joining the Red Devils last summer, starting 42 of his 49 appearances across all competitions.
Man United will certainly welcome the potential return of their No.6 as they are currently having to cope without fellow centre-back Raphael Varane, who is “out for a few weeks” with an unspecified injury.
Like Martinez, Victor Lindelof was taken off in the defeat at Arsenal, although that was only due to illness and he could therefore return for the match with Brighton.
Both Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans made substitute appearances against Arsenal and will also be in contention to play this weekend, although either player is only expected to start if at least one of Lindelof or Martinez is not deemed fit to feature.
Man United will also assess the fitness of transfer deadline-day signing Sofyan Amrabat who was forced to withdraw from the Morocco squad this month due to a back problem.
Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton are also in the treatment room, and the potential absence of the former could see Sergio Reguilon handed his debut at left-back following his arrival on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, Antony will delay his return to the club “to address allegations” of assault made against him, and Jadon Sancho is not expected to be involved following the off-field storm with Ten Hag during the international break.
Man United currently sit 11th in the Premier League table following an underwhelming start to the new season, picking up just six points from their opening four matches.
