Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has reassured supporters regarding his recovery following an injury sustained during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. The 28-year-old centre-back expressed gratitude for the support received and stated his focus is on returning to full fitness for the new season.
Martinez’s latest injury occurred just before half-time in the World Cup final, adding to a period marked by successive injuries. He had recently re-established himself in Argentina’s national team after an absence of 598 days due to previous injury setbacks, earning a place in Lionel Scaloni‘s starting XI for the tournament.
Recovery and Fan Support
In a video message shared after the World Cup, Martinez thanked fans for their messages and support during what he described as a difficult moment. He acknowledged the disappointment felt by many and the prayers for his speedy recovery, stating that this support meant a great deal to him.
Martinez admitted that the World Cup final defeat was painful but emphasised his determination to come back stronger. He confirmed that his rehabilitation is already underway, with the objective of achieving full fitness before the start of the new campaign. He highlighted his daily hard work to return stronger for Manchester United.
The defender also conveyed a special message to Manchester United supporters, acknowledging the bond he has formed with the club and its fanbase since arriving at Old Trafford. He expressed eagerness to return to the pitch and repay their support.
Squad Availability Concerns
Martinez’s injury occurred after a season where he made 18 Premier League appearances due to injury problems and a suspension. Despite this latest setback, there is optimism that his current injury will not result in a significant period on the sidelines, with an expected return in time for the start of the season.
However, not all injury news is positive for Manchester United ahead of the upcoming season. Fellow centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, signed from Bayern Munich in 2024, has not played since November 2025. De Ligt underwent successful surgery for a back injury that kept him out for most of the 2025/26 season, where he played 13 Premier League games before his last appearance against Crystal Palace.
Reports indicate that De Ligt’s return from injury is expected to take longer than Martinez’s, potentially extending into autumn. Autumn in the UK spans from September 1 to November 30, meaning De Ligt’s time out could reach a year, or close to it, since his last appearance. This later return for De Ligt could lead Manchester United to consider options in the transfer market for a defender, although the club’s current focus appears to be on securing a third midfield signing after the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
A recent poll of 5,024 supporters regarding Martinez’s future at Manchester United showed varied opinions. 58 per cent voted ‘No’, suggesting the club cannot afford to keep a player frequently injured, while 37 per cent voted ‘Yes’, believing the team performs better when he is available despite his unreliability. Five per cent remained unsure. Martinez is currently on his post-World Cup break, and the full extent of his injury is yet to be determined by the club.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk