Is Lisandro Martinez season over? Sad news for Manchester United defender
February 6, 2024
Due to ligament damage in his right knee, Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks.
The 26-year-old defender suffered the injury on Sunday, February 4, during Manchester United’s 3-0 victory against West Ham. Following the game, Erik ten Hag said the problem was a “personal disaster” and might be “very bad”.
Martinez was hurt in the second half at Old Trafford after he tangled with Vladimir Coufal while trying to shield the ball out for a goal-kick. He was replaced soon after.
Following the collision, Martinez attempted to continue playing, but he eventually pulled up again before hobbling off the field. On Monday night, United released a statement confirming the extent of the injury.
Manchester United’s statement read that “Lisandro Martinez has sustained an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks.
“The Argentine defender left the field in the 71st minute of our 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“We all wish Licha a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch later in the season.”
The defender from Argentina was out for almost three months before making his comeback for the January 14 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Following his return to the starting lineup, United’s four games resulted in three victories and one draw.
In the Premier League this season, though, they have actually gained more points and given up less goals per game when Martinez isn’t playing. If Martinez is off for an extended period of time, United has plenty of options at center defense thanks to Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof, who made his Sunday injury return return to the lineup.