Manchester United have confirmed reports that Lisandro Martinez suffered a cruciate injury in last Sunday’s defeat against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils’ miserable 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford was compounded by Martinez’s forced second-half withdrawal after he appeared to injure his knee.
The 27-year-old was visibly in tears while being carried off the pitch on a stretcher, which left supporters fearing the worst about his condition.
After full-time, an already downbeat United head coach Ruben Amorim suggested that Martinez’s injury was a “serious situation.”
Argentine reports later claimed that Martinez had damaged his ligaments, ruling him out for the rest of the season and, likely, the calendar year.
United have validated those reports ahead of Friday’s FA Cup clash against Leicester City but are yet to pinpoint a timescale for the centre-back’s return.
A statement read: “Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.
“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.
“Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery, and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Martinez has shown glimpses of world-class quality since joining United from Ajax in a £57million deal in 2022, but injuries have stifled his progress.
The No. 6 made just 14 appearances last season due to three injury absences but returned as a crucial fixture in Erik ten Hag and Amorim’s sides this term.
Martinez has started all 20 Premier League matches he’s been available for throughout the current campaign, playing 32 times in all competitions.
But his confirmed prolonged spell on the sidelines is the latest blow in a troublesome several months for the club since the highs of FA Cup glory against Manchester City last May.
Amorim will likely need to get creative with his centre-backs for the remainder of the season, given his 3-4-2-1 system demands recovery pace in the wider positions.
Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof have been joined by January signing Arsenal academy graduate Ayden Heaven as options. Jonny Evans remains on the injury table.
Noussair Mazraoui has featured in Amorim’s back three, while Diogo Dalot can also likely fill in if required.
Luke Shaw is capable, too, but has made just three United appearances and no starts in the last 12 months.
