Michael Carrick set for enormous injury boost just in time for Leeds clash after fan-favourite returns to training

Lisandro Martinez has returned to grass training 12 days before Manchester United resume their top-four quest.The defender has been completing sessions individually as he eyes a full return to action for the visit of fierce rivals Leeds United on Monday, April 13. 🇦🇷🔜 Lisandro Martinez has now returned to individual grass training as he steps up his recovery ahead of his return from injury. Will be a huge boost for Carrick’s side given Maguire’s suspension + de Ligt’s back injury. @centredevils https://t.co/I2uX2nyehk — Sully (@SullyTalkz) March 31, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYLisandro Martinez eyeing injury return vs LeedsThankfully for Michael Carrick, he won’t really feel the repercussions of Harry Maguire’s one-game suspension if Martinez is back at his disposal.The Argentine would instantly come back into the fold and partner Leny Yoro, who would then presumably be dropped when Maguire is available for the clash against Chelsea on April 18.Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem that has kept him out since November. It remains to be seen if he will feature again before the culmination of the campaign.How Martinez has fared on the injury front this termAs for Martinez, he has endured yet another stop-start season due to multiple layoffs.The cruciate ligament injury he suffered last February meant that his first appearance of 2025/2026 came against Crystal Palace on November 30.He was then fit to play another 13 matches before injuring his calf against West Ham on February 10, with the centre-half yet to feature since.In the past, United have exercised caution when it comes to reintroducing Martinez to first-team action in order to ensure he is fully and 100 per cent ready to play matches. Appearances Minutes played Injured 106 8,005 88 (Martinez’s record in all competitions since signing for United in July 2022)Yet, it doesn’t look to be making too much of a difference anyway. Unfortunately for United, the 28-year-old is one of the most impactful but injury-prone players they’ve had in recent years, and it’ll undoubtedly be an area of concern if he jets off to the World Cup to represent the reigning champions this summer.