- Martinez last played for Manchester United on February 10
- Reds will travel to Ireland for training camp
- Next game is against rivals Leeds United
Manchester United have received a significant injury boost ahead of the scheduled training camp in Ireland.
According to Manchester Evening News (MEN), Lisandro Martinez is expected to be a part of the travelling squad to Dublin. The camp will last for four days, with the team going on an intensive camp on 6 April.
Many players from the squad are currently on international duty with their respective countries. However, they are due to return to Carrington later this week. Between their last game against AFC Bournemouth and their next game against Leeds United, there will have been a 24 day gap.
Martinez Set for Return
MEN have also reported that the centre-back has set his sights on making his on-pitch return against Leeds on 13 April. Martinez has been out of action with a calf injury. He has not featured for the Reds since the 1-1 draw against West Ham United on 10 February.
Despite managing to finish that game, he consequently missed five Premier League games for the Red Devils. So far in 2025/26, the Argentinian has only featured for 905 minutes in the Premier League across 14 games.
There have been fitness concerns around him, given that he has missed 17 games so far this season. Martinez missed August to November due to the cruciate ligament injury.
Elsewhere, Patrick Dorgu is not yet closing in on a return to action. The Dane has not yet returned to full fitness after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal two months ago. However, he is expected to return before the end of the season.
Boost for Reds against Leeds
Manchester United are currently in third place under interim boss Michael Carrick. The disappointing draw against Bournemouth in the last fixture was cushioned by losses for Liverpool and Chelsea. However, Aston Villa bounced back from their recent rut and closed the gap to just one point.
Unai Emery’s side play Nottingham Forest on 12 April. This means that the league table could see them temporarily surpass Carrick’s side before the Reds kick off on the following day.
Harry Maguire was sent off against The Cherries in the last game, therefore will be missing for the upcoming heated derby against Leeds. It does mean that Martinez’s route back into the starting eleven is easier.
Carrick will likely be asked about who will start in central defence. Although, the severity of the calf injury could mean that Martinez needs a few games to catch up. Given that Ayden Heaven is fit, Martinez may only find a place on the bench. The question seems to be who will partner Leny Yoro for the next game, which will at Old Trafford.
Martinez is a fantastic player on his day, but the frequency of picking up injuries is an area where reliability is of concern. If there are funds available in the summer, it could force United to invest in defence. The Reds have been linked with Evan Ndicka and Murillo.
