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Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martinez verified that his surgery “went extremely well” and confirmed that he is on the mend following his recent injury.
His injury caused him to leave last week’s Europa League match against Sevilla on crutches, causing his debut season with Man United to end prematurely.
The Argentine required surgery to repair a fractured metatarsal, with his rehabilitation expected to last between six and eight weeks. That means he will not be available for selection until next season with regards competitive fixtures.
Since joining Erik ten Hag’s squad from Ajax in the summer, Martinez has played a crucial role. Given his small stature, there were doubts as to whether he could succeed in the Premier League, but he has disproved them.
Martinez ‘Focusing On The Recovery’
The defender recently posted a positive message to his Instagram following his surgery.
“Everything went really well, thanks to God! Many thanks for all of your messages,” Martinez said, “Now focusing on the recovery.”
Martinez will miss the FA Cup semi-final, the Europa League knockout stages, and United’s fight for a top-four finish due to his injury.
As a result of his and Raphael Varane’s injuries, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof replaced them at the center of United’s defense for their side’s victory over Nottingham Forest.
The pair maintained a clean sheet, and Ten Hag believes the absences enable the team to demonstrate its strength.
“We have depth in the squad,” said the Dutchman. “We have to use the squad, that’s also what we did.
“In the meantime, you have to win games, so also you need a tactical approach to win the games,” the manager said, “But I think we have good players and when we have problems, so injuries, suspensions, we have depth in the squad.”
Maguire and Lindelof were the first-choice duo during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s administration. Maguire maintained his position alongside Varane after the arrival of the Frenchman. prior to being replaced by Martinez.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has cited the notable experience of the Englishman and the Swede as a significant asset.
“Manchester United can whinge a little bit by saving Varane, Martinez have been the best pairing, which they have, that they will miss them, but a lot of clubs will be in worse positions.”
“I don’t know how many games Maguire and Lindelof have played together, but its a lot,” Neville explained, “So to have such an experienced pair to come in as your third and fourth choice center-backs, is a great position to be in.”
United surrendered a 2-0 lead against Sevilla in Europe last week, with Martinez requiring two of his countrymen to carry him off the field at Old Trafford.
On Thursday night, the Red Devils will attempt to defeat Sevilla on their home turf and progress to the next stage of the Europa League.
If they can do so, the competition will present itself as a major opportunity for Ten Hag and his team to win a second major trophy in the manager’s first season at the club.
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