Lisandro Martinez set to be sidelined until next year as Man Utd defender is pencilled in for second operation on foot injury

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will reportedly undergo a second operation on his foot, which could keep him sidelined until next year. This unfortunate setback has added to the defensive crisis that manager Erik ten Hag is currently facing at the club.

According to The Athletic, the Argentine defender will be out of action for around three months after being pencilled in for another round of surgery on a foot injury. Martinez initially missed almost two months of the 2022-23 season after he underwent surgery to fix a broken metatarsal in his right foot that he suffered during a Europa League tie against Sevilla. The talented defender’s absence was felt during his recovery period, as United’s defense struggled to maintain stability without his presence on the field.

After returning from his initial surgery and starting his rehabilitation process, Martinez made a strong comeback during pre-season. However, he experienced a setback during United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal earlier in September, feeling pain in the same area. Despite initially trying to push through the discomfort, it became clear that the niggling issue with the metatarsal persisted and required further attention.

Now, the club’s medical team has deemed it necessary for Lisandro Martinez to undergo a second surgery. This decision was made in order to ensure a complete recovery from the long-standing injury and to avoid any potential future complications. While the specific timeframe for his return remains uncertain, it is expected that he will need a significant amount of time to recuperate and regain match fitness.

The absence of Martinez poses a significant challenge for manager Erik ten Hag, as several other defensive players are also currently dealing with injuries. Full-backs Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Sergio Reguilon are among those sidelined, further intensifying the defensive crisis at United. As a result, ten Hag has been forced to make adjustments within the squad, using players out of position or relying on makeshift solutions in defense.

In the meantime, United’s coaching staff and medical team will continue to provide support and monitor Martinez’s recovery process closely. Everyone involved will be working tirelessly to ensure that the player receives the best possible care and treatment, ultimately aiming for his safe return to the pitch as soon as he is fully healed.

We can only hope that Lisandro Martinez’s recovery progresses smoothly and that he will return stronger than ever, ready to contribute to Manchester United’s defensive line-up in the future. The club and its fans eagerly await the day when they can see him back in action, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination on the football field once again.