Manchester United have confirmed that centre-back Lisandro Martinez has ‘suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament’ (via the club’s official website).
Assessment is ongoing on how long the Argentine defender will spend on the sidelines.
While a timescale has not been given for his return, he is expected to be out of action for at least six months, based on the nature of the injury.
Martinez picked up the injury in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend. He was replaced by Matthijs de Ligt in the 82nd minute.
His injury history since joining United is not good. He has missed 56 games due to various injuries.
The 27-year-old has been a regular in the starting line-up under manager Ruben Amorim. He has failed to start just one game while in the matchday squad.
He has played as the left centre-back in Amorim’s three-man defence, recording two goals and two assists across all competitions.
The Argentine defender’s injury is a big blow for Amorim, who he has described as a defender who ‘plays well’ with the ball.
He was the only experienced left-footed centre-back fit before his injury
Jonny Evans would have been his natural replacement, but he is injured and does not have the agility to play as a wide left centre-back.
Ayden Heaven is now the only fit left-footed centre-back, but he has yet to taste first-team action, making it risky to trust him with such a role.
However, Amorim has other options that he can rely upon in Martinez’s absence. Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof can play as the left centre-back.
United face Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday evening. The game will indicate how Amorim deals with Martinez’s absence.
Stats from tranfermarkt.com.
