Manchester United have suffered a big setback, with fears that defender Lisandro Martinez will miss the rest of the season after suffering a catastrophic knee injury in their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
After colliding with Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, the Argentina international was helped off the ground in the 82nd minute, leaving him in tears. Initial examinations indicate that the injury is severe, casting doubt on his availability for the remainder of the season.
Following the game, United manager Ruben Amorim highlighted his concerns, implying a lengthy layoff for the centre-back.
“We will assess the situation in the coming days, but it appears to be a serious injury,” Amorim told reporters, per the BBC.
“Not only is he a fantastic player, but he is also a vital presence in the dressing room. He sensed the severity immediately, and as a player, you often know when it’s something significant. We will be there to support him through this difficult period, just as he has supported us.”
Following his injuries, the club swiftly issued a statement saying, “Our hearts ache for you, Licha. We’ll be with you during your recuperation, and we know you’ll come back stronger.”
Martinez has suffered a number of injuries since his arrival at Old Trafford, with the defender being out for the final six weeks of the 2022-23 season after fracturing his metatarsal. He later had surgery in September 2023, which kept him out for four months.
Furthermore, he missed eight weeks from February to March of last year owing to a ligament ailment, followed by a six-and-a-half-week absence due to a calf problem.
