- Manchester United training in Dublin
- Lisandro Martinez took part in team drills
- Michael Carrick gives update on Argentine defender
Manchester United are finally seeing some positive news on the injury front as they prepare to welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford next Monday (April 13th).
The Reds have endured a 24-day break between matches, with their last outing the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on 20 March. That gap has allowed several key players to step up their rehabilitation, none more important than Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine centre-back has not played since the 1-1 draw at West Ham United on February 10th, missing the last five matches with a calf injury. There had been hopes of a return against Aston Villa last month, but a slight reaction on the training ground delayed his comeback.
Now, after travelling with the squad to Dublin for an intensive training camp, Martinez is back in group sessions. With Harry Maguire suspended following his red card against Bournemouth, the timing could hardly be better.
Carrick confirms Martinez return
Interim head coach Michael Carrick spoke to United’s in-house media from the Republic of Ireland and delivered an encouraging update.
“The break has actually worked in our favour in some ways in terms of getting players back. Mason [Mount] is back in and around it and has been training. He’s had that period of time to build it up. To have Licha [Martinez] back in and around us this week is good.”
Carrick also addressed Maguire’s absence and the need to strengthen the defensive group:
“Obviously Harry is going to miss the [Leeds] game so to have Licha back in and around it, with Leny [Yoro] and Ayden [Heaven], we just want to keep getting stronger as a group really. That’s part of what we’re trying to do this week.”
The news is a major boost for a Manchester United side sitting third in the Premier League and pushing for Champions League qualification. Martinez has made only 15 appearances this season, having previously recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered last February, followed by a fractured metatarsal.
Who is Available for Leeds?
While Martinez is back in training, Carrick will need to assess whether he is fit enough to start against Leeds. If not, the manager is likely to turn to the young partnership of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in central defence. Patrick Dorgu also travelled to Dublin and is undertaking his own individual rehabilitation regime, offering hope of a return soon.
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem that has kept him out for over four months. He was not included in the 25-man squad for the Dublin trip and has yet to start meaningful training. Tom Heaton and Diogo Dalot missed the trip due to illness. Carrick will provide a full team news update during his pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday afternoon.
For now, United fans can breathe a little easier. The return of Martinez could not come at a more crucial moment in the season.
