It has been a turbulent few days for Lisandro Martínez. The Manchester United defender openly criticised the club’s senior leadership and sporting director Jason Wilcox following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
Martínez subsequently issued a statement on social media to clarify his remarks, followed by another message revealing that he had held a “very positive conversation” with the club’s hierarchy and manager Michael Carrick. Reports also suggested that he would face a formal disciplinary fine. By the time Carrick addressed the media on Friday, the situation appeared to have been resolved.
Martínez started Sunday’s 1–1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road but played only the first half before being substituted at the interval.
Manchester United were already without Ayden Heaven, who missed the match due to illness. Following Martínez’s withdrawal, the Red Devils appeared to shift to a back-three formation, with returning full-back Noussair Mazraoui coming on as his replacement.
What Injury Has Lisandro Martínez Sustained?
Martínez was suffering thigh discomfort.
Carrick noted afterwards that Martínez had “felt his thigh a little bit.”
It appears that no chances were taken with a player who has suffered repeatedly with injuries since he joined the club from Ajax in the summer of 2022. His first four years with United yielded 110 appearances across all competitions, averaging fewer than 28 per season, while Transfermarkt estimates the Argentina international has spent a total of 632 days sidelined during that time.
Carrick offered no further details on Martínez’s condition, with a further update expected when the United boss next addresses reporters on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Como on the shore of the famous lake in northern Italy.
When Will Lisandro Martinez Return to Man Utd?
Without more information at this stage, it’s not clear when Martínez might return to the field. A minor issue that is being carefully managed might only warrant a short time out of action—it feels unreasonable to expect him to face Como so soon after being forced off against Leeds.
At best, he would be a doubt for that game, but would be in contention to return against Bournemouth when the Premier League schedule resumes on Sunday.
A more serious problem could bleed into weeks, or even months at the most extreme scenario. Given Carrick’s initial assessment, that seems unlikely, though.
The thing is, United need Martínez. The young Heaven, the reserve left-footed center back in the depth chart, won’t be out for very long, but he also remains a doubt for Como.
Leny Yoro will also be missing against Como because of the red card he was flashed against Atlético Madrid. Harry Maguire played the full 90 minutes against Leeds but only featured as a substitute in the Spanish capital due to ongoing efforts to manage his workload at the age of 33. Carrick might have no choice but to start the veteran in back-to-back matches. Matthijs de Ligt is back on the bench following an 11-month back-related layoff but has yet to play for now.
