Manchester United are reportedly fearful that Lisandro Martinez could miss the rest of the 2024/25 season with a knee injury he picked up during the side’s 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
United had already fallen behind to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s close-range strike by the time Martinez was left crumpled in a heap.
Martinez had tangled with Ismaila Sarr and it appeared like his knee buckled under his own weight.
A considerable delay followed while the Argentina was being examined by United’s medical staff. He was then taken off the pitch on a stretcher while he cried.
After the final whistle, Ruben Amorim admitted that the injury seemed very serious although he insisted clarity would be provided in due time.
Now, Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News has given an update on the situation, indicating that United fear Martinez is out for the remainder of the campaign.
According to Luckhurst, “Dressing room sources believe Martinez is unlikely to play again this term. United are expected to communicate the extent of Martinez’s injury tomorrow or later in the week. Club sources expect it will take 24 hours to make a thorough diagnosis.”
“It is unclear if Martinez’s injury will spur United into an 11th-hour move for a centre back before the transfer window closes at 11pm tonight.”
Should Martinez be sidelined for an extended period, his absence would represent a significant setback for United.
The 27-year-old was in good form, scoring in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool and also grabbing a late winning goal in last month’s victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
As MEN point out, United have six specialist central defenders following the signing of 18-year-old Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
Noussair Mazraoui, Casemiro and Luke Shaw can also be deployed at centre-back.
Shaw recently returned to training although Amorim warned against rushing the England international back into action.
United’s next assignment will see them take on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City on Friday, in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
