Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will reportedly be sidelined for around two months with the knee injury he sustained against West Ham on Sunday, though the Argentine will not require surgery to rectify the problem.
According to widespread reports, Martinez sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee when he went down following a freak collision with Vladimir Coufal on Sunday.
Martinez, who only returned to action last month after recovering from a broken metatarsal, was replaced by Raphael Varane in the 71st minute of the match, which United won 3-0.
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It was initially feared that the Argentine had suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage and could be ruled out for the rest of the season.
United boss Erik ten Hag described Martinez’s latest fitness setback as a “disaster” after Sunday’s game, but reports on Monday suggested he had avoided a season-ending injury.
💬 The manager was asked about Licha’s condition following today’s game.#MUFC || #MUNWHU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) FEBRUARY 4, 2024
Martinez is expected to spend around eight weeks on the sidelines, and an absence of that length would see him miss at least eight Premier League games, including United’s trip to the Etihad Stadium to face rivals Manchester City on March 3.
Martinez has only made seven league starts this season, with Ten Hag easing him back into action after his earlier foot injury kept him out for over three months.
His most recent fitness issue comes as a major blow after United appeared to be approaching full strength for perhaps the first time this season.
Harry Maguire started alongside Martinez on Sunday and he will now compete with Varane and the fit-again Victor Lindelof for a starting spot.
