Major setback for Man Utd as Martinez faces two-month absence

Manchester United have been dealt a huge injury blow, with defender Lisandro Martinez confirmed to be facing at least eight weeks on the sidelines. The Argentina international was forced off during United’s 3-0 English Premier League win over West Ham, on Sunday.

Martinez went down clutching his right knee in the 71st minute after an awkward landing from a challenge by West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal. After initially trying to play on, the 26-year-old was soon replaced, leaving the field clearly in pain.

Post-match, United manager Erik Ten Hag admitted the injury “didn’t look good” and was a “personal disaster” for a player, who has already missed significant time this season. Those fears were realised on Monday, as the club confirmed Martinez has damaged the medial collateral ligament in his knee.

While an exact timeframe was not provided, the statement said the defender is expected to be out for a minimum of eight weeks. That would see Martinez miss up to 10 EPL matches, to go with the lot he missed with his earlier layoff.

Martinez’s absence leaves Ten Hag short of options in defence, with United still fighting on three fronts as they seek to end their trophy drought. Getting Martinez back fit before the season’s end will be a priority as they look to secure UEFA Champions League qualification.