Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out of Manchester United’s clash with Newcastle United tomorrow night (March 4th). The Argentine defender has missed the Reds’ last two games due to a calf problem.
Michael Carrick stressed that Martinez’s injury wasn’t too serious and that he hoped to have him back this week. The 28-year-old has been superb since Carrick took over as caretaker coach, forming a formidable partnership with Harry Maguire.
Martinez’s absence is a real nuisance and his lack of availability is becoming an issue that can’t be ignored anymore. He started the season on the sidelines due to a cruciate ligament injury and has only appeared 14 times in the league.
More Martinez injury woes
Manchester United head to St James’ Park still unbeaten under Carrick following a 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace. They fell behind in that game after poor defending from Leny Yoro, allowing Maxence Lacroix to meet Adam Wharton’s corner and head his side in front.
The Reds bounced back in the second half, although they were helped out by a contentious penalty decision. Lacroix was adjudged to have brought Matheus Cunha down in the box and denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The French defender was sent off, and Bruno Fernandes scored the resulting spot kick to equalise. Fernandes then produced a stunning cross for Benjamin Sesko, who headed home yet another winner.
Carrick will have hoped to have had Martinez back for the game against a struggling Newcastle side. But he won’t return in time for the encounter with Eddie Howe’s Magpies.
The Red Devils coach told MUTV: “Not particularly, really, no (positive update). He won’t be with us. He’s not quite ready for that.”
Martinez’s injury record is now a real concern, plaguing the player and his team. His side looks so comfortable with him in it, and that’s largely because of his composure on the ball.
Might be time to sign a replacement
The Argentine’s injury struggles have been a constant in recent years ever since he sustained a metatarsal fracture at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. Three seasons on and he just can’t seem to shake off fitness problems, and that should be factored into INEOS’ plans for the summer.
Manchester United are already without Matthijs de Ligt, who has been sidelined with a back problem since November. There’s no sign of the former Bayern Munich man returning anytime soon.
| Lisandro Martinez Injuries | Games Missed |
|---|---|
| Metartarsal fracture | 14 |
| Foot | 26 |
| Knee | 9 |
| Calf strain | 6 |
| Back problem | 1 |
| Cruciate ligament | 35 |
| Calf issue | 3+ |
An experienced centre-back is needed for Carrick, especially if he stays on as head coach and oversees a return to the Champions League next season. If the Martinez situation continues, it might be time to consider looking at a new left-sided centre-back.
Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw has recently been linked, and the German has enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League. He could be one to watch in the summer if the Magpies fail to qualify for Europe.
