Manchester United have confirmed centre-back Lisandro Martinez is set for an “extended period” on the sidelines after aggravating a foot injury.
The Argentina international limped off during the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal before the international break but still started against both Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayern Munich after returning to club football.
Since then, however, Martinez has missed United last two games and the club have confirmed he will not be seen again for a while.
“Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April,” a club statement read. “It has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps.”
Martinez suffered a fractured metatarsal in April which brought his 2022/23 campaign to an abrupt end, but he was back ready to start the current season after appearing to shake off the problem.
However, he is now set to return to the sidelines, adding to the ongoing injury crisis facing manager Erik ten Hag.
Raphael Varane made a welcome comeback from injury against Burnley and managed an hour in the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace, and the Frenchman now appears ready to step in and take Martinez’s place for the foreseeable future.
To partner Varane, Ten Hag can choose between Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and the resurgent Jonny Evans.
While Ten Hag has enough depth at centre-back to cope without Martinez, he is facing a problem at left-back. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both injured, and the pair have been joined on the treatment table by loanee Sergio Reguilon, which saw Sofyan Amrabat deployed at the back against Palace.
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