Manchester United striker Anthony Martial could have played his last game for the club after undergoing groin surgery that will keep him out for 10 weeks.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season with United highly unlikely to trigger a 12-month extension.
Read our other sports news stories here:
India captain Sharma not interested in ‘Bazball’ talk
Nick Kyrgios slams retirement talk as ‘absolute nonsense’
Formula 1: AlphaTauri rebrands as Visa Cash App RB ahead of new season
The club released a statement, which read: “Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about 10 weeks as he rehabilitates.
“We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.”
Martial has not played for United since the 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth in December and reports have suggested he has been training away from the first-team squad after being ordered to improve his fitness by boss Erik ten Hag.
The 28-year-old joined United from Monaco for £36million in 2015 when he was rated one of the brightest young talents in Europe. However, he has struggled for form and fitness throughout his time at Old Trafford, scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances.
🚨 @AnthonyMartial has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint.
We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return ❤️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 24, 2024
Despite his indifferent record, he did present an option for Ten Hag who is left with Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford as his only outright strikers. Both men have also struggled this season, scoring a combined six league goals.
That will increase speculation that United will dip into the transfer market this month to secure a striker – perhaps on a short-term deal – with both Karim Benzema and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting linked.
Benzema is believed to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia while Choupo-Moting’s playing time at Bayern Munich has decreased following the summer arrival of Harry Kane.
