It has been reported that Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez tore his cruciate ligament in his side’s defeat to Crystal Palace. The Argentinian landed awkwardly on his left leg as he went in for a challenge with Ismaila Sarr in the second half and immediately signalled to the sidelines.
United boss Ruben Amorim cut a concerned figure as the 27-year-old was stretchered off and he burst into tears as he left the field.
And now the club have learnt that not only will the 2022 World Cup winner miss the remainder of the season, he also likely to be sidelined for the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign.
According to Argentinian outlets TyC Sports, Martinez will be unable to train for around six to eight months. It’s the latest injury blow to the star who has been hampered by fitness issues since joining from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
The following April, he was ruled out for five months after picking up a metatarsal fracture. He returned in September only to suffer a reoccurrence of the injury, and spent more time on the sidelines.
A calf injury then limited his availability for the end of the 2023/24 campaign, although he was able to play a part in the club’s FA Cup final win. And he had become a permanent figure in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation since the Portuguese boss arrived, scoring vital goals at Liverpool and Fulham last month.
After Sunday’s defeat, Amorim couldn’t hide his disappointment at the prospect of losing the man dubbed ‘The Butcher’ for a prolonged period. “He’s going to be seen by the doctor, but I think it’s a serious situation, so it’s really bad for our team,” he said.
“Licha is really important for us, not just as a football player, but as a character, especially in this hard moment. Now it’s time to help Licha. I think it’s a bad situation. Let’s wait to assess things with the doctor but I think it’s serious.”
The blow comes with defenders Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans already sidelined. But United have at least brought in a major reinforcement in the transfer window, having signed Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu.
Teenager Ayden Heaven has also come on board from Arsenal. It now remains to be seen if the club react to the news on Amorim by trying to bring in another defender before Monday’s 11pm deadline.
United’s defeat to Palace left them 13th in the Premier League. They next play on Friday, when the Red Devils host Leicester in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
