Manchester United have received an encouraging injury boost after Lisandro Martínez returned to individual training on the grass at Carrington on Monday.
The Argentina defender has been recovering since suffering an injury during last month’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
According to @sullyexcl, Martínez trained individually on the grass at Carrington today as he continues his rehabilitation programme.
The development marks another important step towards a return to Michael Carrick’s first-team group.
Lisandro Martinez steps up Man Utd recovery
Martínez was forced off shortly before half-time during Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain on 19 July.
Manchester United later confirmed that the centre-back had been replaced because of injury as Argentina eventually lost 1-0 after extra time.
The 28-year-old has therefore been unable to join Carrick’s main group during the early stages of pre-season.
Monday’s individual grass session does not indicate that Martínez is ready for full training yet. It does, however, suggest his recovery is progressing as United move closer to the start of the Premier League campaign.
Carrick currently has much of his squad together in Ireland ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Leeds United.
ReadManUtd reported earlier today that Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha have all returned to the group, giving the manager more senior options for the final stages of pre-season.
Martínez remains an important part of Carrick’s defensive plans when fully fit.
His aggressive defending and ability to progress possession from centre-back give United qualities which are difficult to replicate elsewhere in the squad.
There is no confirmed date yet for his return to full first-team training.
Getting back onto the Carrington grass, though, is an encouraging first step as Martínez works towards being available again.
