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Gaston Edul, most reliable Argentine journalist, has reported that Lisandro Martinez is facing almost two months on the sidelines due to a sprained collateral ligament injury. However, there’s a silver lining as Edul confirmed that Martinez will not require surgery, avoiding the worst-case scenario.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Edul’s report and added that Manchester United expect Martinez to return after international break in March.
The news that the ‘worst-case scenario, a complete ligament tear, has been avoided’ brings a slight sense of relief amidst concerns. Gaston Edul’s report that Martinez won’t require surgical intervention and anticipates a recovery period of approximately six to eight weeks is somewhat reassuring.
This latest setback for the defender is undeniably a hard hit for Manchester United, yet the fact that the injury isn’t as severe as it could have been offers a silver lining.
Having been sidelined for the majority of the season due to a foot injury, Martinez had only managed to participate in the last four matches for Manchester United prior to sustaining this new injury.
If Edul’s predictions hold true, Martinez is expected to make a comeback in time for the crucial concluding matches of the Premier League season, potentially playing a key role during a critical phase for Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Martinez, previously of Ajax, has already missed 22 matches this season due to foot surgery he underwent in September, and now faces another period out of action.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, expressed his concern over Martinez’s injury, stating that his absence would significantly impact the team. He remarked on the gravity of the situation, acknowledging how detrimental it would be for the team to lose Martinez to injury again, especially considering the defender’s recent return after two foot injury spells in 2023.
| BREAKING: Lisandro Martínez has a sprained collateral ligament. The worst scenario has been ruled out. It is between 1.5 to 2 months of recovery. He does NOT need surgery. [@gastonedul] pic.twitter.com/5MbXNp8XIl
— centredevils. (@centredevils) February 5, 2024
